Particle.news

Astros Leave Josh Hader’s Opening Day in Doubt as Biceps Issue Stalls Ramp-Up

Manager Joe Espada calls it premature to decide with Hader still confined to light catch work.

Overview

  • Hader remains limited to playing catch and has yet to throw a bullpen session during camp, with Espada acknowledging the window for March 26 is tightening.
  • Hader’s biceps inflammation surfaced after soreness in a pre-camp bullpen, and he has not thrown at mound intensity since the setback.
  • Espada said Hader will continue catch work through the weekend as the club monitors when to advance his throwing progression.
  • Hader ended last season with a left shoulder capsule sprain, avoided surgery, completed a November throwing program, and the club may be cautious given his five-year, $95 million deal.
  • Bryan Abreu is the likely interim closer if Hader opens on the IL, while Enyel De Los Santos has resumed throwing and is expected to work off a mound next week.