Astros Activate Josh Hader from Injured List in Latest Roster Move

The Houston Astros are set to welcome back closer Josh Hader, who is expected to be reinstated from the injured list and active for tonight’s game after missing more than two months with elbow and shoulder-related issues. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club moved Carlos Correa to the 60-day injured list after his season-ending ankle surgery. Houston also placed infielder Braden Shewmake on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 31, with a right adductor strain, and recalled outfielder Zach Cole.

Hader’s return marks an important development for a Houston bullpen that has struggled badly for much of the season. The left-hander originally finished the 2025 campaign in mid-August because of a capsule strain in his left shoulder. He avoided surgery and entered the offseason with optimism that he could be ready for Opening Day. That plan changed in spring training, when he developed biceps pain and was later diagnosed with tendinitis, delaying his season debut.

During his minor league rehab assignment, Hader showed signs of readiness in his first several outings. Across his first seven appearances, he allowed just one run on four hits and one walk while striking out 11 in seven innings. However, his final two rehab games were less encouraging, as he gave up five runs, three earned, on four hits and two walks without recording a strikeout. That pushed his minor league ERA to 4.15, though the larger body of work still suggested he was progressing toward a return.

One stat that could bear watching is Hader’s velocity. His sinker has averaged 93.9 mph in Triple-A, below last season’s 95.5 mph mark and well off the peak numbers he posted earlier in his career. That dip may reflect normal buildup after a lengthy absence and multiple arm injuries, but it will be a key point of attention once he resumes major league duties. Even so, Hader has long shown the ability to generate swings and misses, and the Astros are hopeful he can quickly reestablish himself as a high-leverage weapon.

His return comes at a critical time for Houston. Bryan Abreu was expected to handle ninth-inning duties in Hader’s absence, but his season has been uneven. His fastball velocity has dropped from 97.3 mph last year to 94.8 mph this season, and his command has suffered, with walks becoming a major issue. Abreu struggled through April before improving in May, but he has not returned to his dominant form from previous seasons.

Other key Astros relievers have also regressed. Steven Okert and Bryan King have posted roughly similar ERAs to last season, but their underlying performance has weakened. Left-hander Bennett Sousa, who was effective in 2024, has made only a handful of appearances this year and is currently out with elbow inflammation.

As a group, Astros relievers have produced one of the worst statistical profiles in baseball, carrying a league-worst 5.16 ERA. The bullpen also ranks near the bottom of the majors in strikeout rate and among the highest in walk rate. Those struggles have played a major role in Houston’s disappointing record and increased the pressure as the team approaches the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Hader’s activation should stabilize the late innings, but the Astros still face a major challenge in trying to climb back into contention.