Astros closer Josh Hader (shoulder) shut down from throwing

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader was diagnosed with a left shoulder capsule strain and will not throw for approximately three weeks, the team said Friday.
The six-time All-Star was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Monday, for his first career stint on the list due to injury. He spent time on the COVID IL in 2021.
Astros general manager Dana Brown said Hader’s recovery program will consist of rest and strengthening exercises.
“I personally view it as good news, because any time you can rehab, that’s always a better option,” Brown told reporters. “Hopefully in these three weeks he’ll feel better, and we’ll get him to throwing a baseball, and life will be back to normal.”
Hader reported shoulder soreness to the team on Monday. He is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA and has 28 saves in 29 opportunities. He has made 48 appearances.
Hader, 31, has 227 saves in nine big-league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Astros (2024-25). He is 34-31 with a 2.64 ERA in 468 career relief appearances.
Houston holds a 1 1/2-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West entering Friday’s game against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.