<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-houston-playoff-hopes-fade-yordan-alvarez-josh-hader-out');   ga('set', 'title', 'Yordan Alvarez, Josh Hader still far from returning as Astros slides out of playoffs');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Astros-shortstop-Carlos-Correa-vs-Athletics.jpg"><figcaption>Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Yordan Alvarez, Josh Hader still far from returning as Astros slides out of playoffs</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-25T08:51:43-07:00">September 25th, 8:51am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-25T08:52:07-07:00">September 25th, 8:52am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Astros <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-carlos-correa-reality-check-playoff-hopes-dwindling">once sat atop the AL West</a>, but their grip on the division has slipped away at the worst possible time. Yordan Alvarez and Josh Hader remain sidelined, and manager Joe Espada admitted their <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1971004045663092931" rel="noopener">timelines are still unclear</a>. Alvarez has yet to resume baseball activities, while Hader underwent fresh imaging two days ago. Espada confirmed that Hader’s shoulder is healing, but he still has not resumed throwing. Those updates cast doubt on the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-jeremy-pena-makes-not-pretty-admission-on-yordan-alvarez-injury">Astros chances of pushing into the MLB postseason</a>.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-yordan-alvarez-exits-rangers-showdown-foot-injury">The injuries to Yordan Alvarez</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update-2">Hader have left the Astros without two of their most important pieces</a>. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-yordan-alvarez-significant-ankle-update">Alvarez’s power has long carried the lineup</a>, but his absence has left holes that the offense has struggled to cover. Josh Hader, acquired to lock down games in the ninth, cannot even begin a throwing program. Without them, Houston has looked vulnerable, and the standings reflect it. The Astros are now 84-74, trailing the Mariners at 89-69in the AL West. A lead that once looked comfortable has turned into a dangerous slide out of contention.</p><p>Espada’s updates did little to inspire optimism. The Astros are fighting with urgency, but every day without Alvarez and Hader adds pressure. Houston’s bullpen has been forced into matchups it cannot always control, and the lineup has lacked the consistent thump Alvarez provides. The results show up in late-inning losses and missed opportunities against division rivals. A once-proud October lock now sits in danger of watching the MLB postseason from home.</p><p>For fans, the frustration is building. The Astros controlled their fate for much of the summer, but September has brought collapse. The The Mariners have surged ahead, while the Rangers are already out of the race. Houston has no margin left, and time is running out. The absence of Alvarez and Hader highlights just how fragile the path to October can be. The Astros must find answers without their stars, or else this season will be remembered for a late stumble that ended a streak of postseason dominance.</p><p>Can the Astros rally one last time and keep their MLB postseason streak alive?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Yordan Alvarez, Josh Hader still far from returning as Astros slides out of playoffs

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update-2');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros closer Josh Hader has ‘no set timetable’ for return from injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/JHa.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Astros closer Josh Hader has ‘no set timetable’ for return from injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-16T16:57:02-07:00">September 16th, 4:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-16T16:57:02-07:00">September 16th, 4:57pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Astros are entering a crucial stretch in the 2025 MLB playoff push, but they’ll be doing so without clear answers on <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update-espada">when star closer Josh Hader will return</a>. In a recent injury update, The Astros closer confirmed there is still no set timetable for his return from a left shoulder capsule sprain suffered in August.</p><p>Speaking to reporters for the first time since being sidelined, Hader shared his progress and hopes with The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. The All-Star closer hasn’t resumed throwing yet but remains hopeful about a postseason comeback.</p><p>Rome took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account and shared the <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1968080407502709210" rel="noopener">following quotes</a> from the left-handed closer.</p><p>“There’s no set timetable to be back,” he told Rome.</p><p>“It looks like we could possibly be back for the second, third and fourth round, it just depends on how I’m recovering from throwing.”</p><p>The injury update regarding the southpaw comes as the Astros bullpen problems continue to mount. Houston’s bullpen ERA jumped from 3.12 to 3.78 in the 30 days following his absence. Four blown saves during that span knocked the team out of first place in the AL West, though the first two weeks of September have shown signs of stabilization. Despite those improvements, no one in the current bullpen replicates Hader’s elite strikeout ability or late-inning dominance.</p><p>Hader’s rehab has entered the strength phase, with hopes of beginning bullpen sessions the week of September 23rd. The club’s medical staff remains cautious, monitoring velocity and command to avoid setbacks. The AL West standings add even more pressure, with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-dana-brown-remains-confident-can-win-al-west">the Astros sitting just half a game</a> behind the Seattle Mariners and clinging to a narrow wild card lead. Team officials have stressed patience, knowing a rushed return could risk long-term damage. Houston remains optimistic but understands that Hader’s full recovery takes priority over short-term postseason availability.</p><p>With 11 games left in the regular season, heading into Game 2 of tonight’s series against the Texas Rangers — a series Houston opened with a 6-3 win on Monday — every pitch matters. Whether Hader returns in time for the Wild Card round or later in the postseason, his presence—or absence—will be a defining factor in Houston’s October outlook.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Astros closer Josh Hader has ‘no set timetable’ for return from injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update-espada');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros closer Josh Hader’s ‘healing’ injury update comes with a catch');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Josh-Haders-unprecedented-situation-highlights-bonkers-broken-system.jpg"></figure><h1>Astros closer Josh Hader’s ‘healing’ injury update comes with a catch</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-04T15:45:43-07:00">September 4th, 3:45pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-04T15:45:43-07:00">September 4th, 3:45pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Astros received a mixed <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-provides-update-injury-return-timeline">injury update on All-Star closer Josh Hader</a> that could impact their postseason trajectory Thursday. While imaging shows his shoulder is healing, manager Joe Espada revealed Hader has yet to resume throwing. That delay adds uncertainty to the club’s bullpen struggles and raises questions about their ability to hold their lead in the tight AL West standings.</p><p>Hader suffered a left shoulder capsule sprain following an unusually long two-inning outing on August 8 vs. New York. While the initial diagnosis suggested a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline, Espada’s recent remarks imply the final phase of recovery may be delayed. The longer the southpaw remains shut down, the more uncertainty looms over his readiness for October.</p><p>The Athletic’s Chandler Rome posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing that despite some progress, there’s <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1963707690095374446" rel="noopener">no clear path</a> to Hader’s return yet.</p><p>“Josh Hader’s follow-up imaging showed that the strained capsule in his left shoulder “is healing,” but manager Joe Espada said Hader is still not able to resume a throwing program.”</p><p>That absence is already showing its impact. Since the injury, the Astros have gone 8-9, often faltering in late-game situations. Without the 31-year-old flamethrower, the bullpen’s ERA has climbed, and Houston’s bullpen struggles have emerged as a major concern. Relievers like Bryan Abreu have stepped into high-leverage roles, but consistency has remained out of reach.</p><p>Before his injury, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-matches-franchise-save-record-phillies">Hader had been one of MLB’s most reliable closers</a>, compiling a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA, and 28 saves in 29 chances. His loss has become a defining factor in the AL West standings, where Houston holds a narrow lead over the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.</p><p>The wait continues — and with just 22 games remaining, the question isn’t only if Hader will return, but whether his absence could cost the Astros a crucial playoff bye. The injury update offers some optimism, but the lack of throwing progression leaves both fans and the front office holding their breath. As October nears, all eyes now turn to the next round of Espada comments and what they might reveal about the Astros and their star closer’s postseason outlook.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Astros closer Josh Hader’s ‘healing’ injury update comes with a catch

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-provides-update-injury-return-timeline');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros’ Josh Hader provides update on injury return timeline');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Houston-Astros-relief-pitcher-Josh-Hader-1.jpg"><figcaption>Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Astros’ Josh Hader provides update on injury return timeline</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-16T12:58:11-07:00">August 16th, 12:58pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-16T12:58:11-07:00">August 16th, 12:58pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Astros have dealt with injuries throughout the 2025 season. Despite seeing players fall in and out of the lineup, the team is still at the top of the American League West. However, Astros manager <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update">Joe Espada faces his toughest test with the absence of his closer Josh Hader</a>. Bryan Abreu has stepped into the closer role while Hader rehabs alongside Luis Garcia.</p><p>Hader earned All-Star honors yet again after a dominant first half of the season. However, the veteran is dealing with a left shoulder injury that will have him on the injured list for at least the next month. Without their top reliever, holding onto leads just got more difficult for the Astros. For now, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-bryan-abreu-houston-resilience-injury-woes">Houston has to rely on Abreu to maintain their usual dominance, despite injuries</a>.</p><p>After the team provided an update on his timeline, Hader offered his own thoughts. According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, the reliever said that he might need <a href="https://x.com/brianmctaggart/status/1956799416632791544" rel="noopener">as much time to ramp back up</a> as his team is giving him to rest his arm.</p><p>“Josh Hader said it would take him three weeks to build up after not throwing for the next three weeks, so don’t expect to see him in the regular season. Playoffs remain a possibility,” McTaggart said.</p><p>Hader is an important part of Espada’s bullpen being successful. However, the Astros are not going to rush his return, fearing that he could make it worse. However, being without the southpaw is a tough blow for a team in such a tight division. He and Garcia could be back by the time the postseason rolls around, giving Houston a much-needed boost.</p><p>Espada and the Astros’ path to the postseason is clear. All they need to do is hold off the Seattle Mariners for a home playoff series. From there, Houston has as good a shot at the World Series as anyone else.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Astros’ Josh Hader provides update on injury return timeline

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-injury-update');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros’ Josh Hader gets important injury update');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Houston-Astros-relief-pitcher-Josh-Hader.jpg"><figcaption>Thomas Shea-Imagn Image</figcaption></figure><h1>Astros’ Josh Hader gets important injury update</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-15T13:07:13-07:00">August 15th, 1:07pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-15T13:41:28-07:00">August 15th, 1:41pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Astros are 6-4 in their last 10 games despite a banged-up bullpen. Bryan Abreu and Bennett Sousa have done well for Astros manager Joe Espada in bigger roles. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-josh-hader-il-shoulder-injury">Josh Hader’s injury has had a huge impact</a> on Houston’s normal dominance. After his latest update, Espada might have to ride with Abreu as his closer for a bit longer.</p><p>Hader went on the injured list with a left shoulder injury after an outing against the New York Yankees. He has not pitched since August 8 and won’t be back on the mound for a while. According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, the All-Star reliever <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1956438852115308917" rel="noopener">faces a long recovery process</a>.</p><p>“Josh Hader has ‘left shoulder capsule sprain,’ according to the Astros,” Rome said. “The team says he will not throw for ‘approximately three weeks’ and, after that, the next steps will be determined.”</p><p>While the report is not good for the remainder of Houston’s regular season, there is a silver lining. Hader’s season is not over, making him a potentially crucial addition to Espada’s playoff bullpen. Unfortunately, a postseason berth is not guaranteed in the American League West. The Seattle Mariners are right on the Astros’ heels for the top spot in the division.</p><p>Abreu is capable of stepping in as a closer. However, his promotion puts more strain on Sousa and the rest of Espada’s setup pitchers. Despite the tough situation, the veteran manager has a proven track record when it comes to dealing with injuries. Perhaps the easiest solution is leaning even more into the other side of his roster.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-carlos-correa-mlb-history-trade-back-houston">The Astros made a big offensive upgrade when they brought in Carlos Correa</a>. The former All-Star infielder has done well since returning to the team he began his career with. With him in the mix, Houston’s offense has taken a big step forward. If Yordan Alvarez returns to Espada’s lineup at full strength, the Astros are formidable.</p><p>For now, though, Hader is the latest addition to a long list of injuries Houston has had to manage. His absence puts another obstacle between the team and the playoffs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	HOLDS	SAVES
158	2.051	76	0.8544	0	28

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	HOLDS	SAVES
158	2.051	76	0.8544	0	28

Josh Hader

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Astros’ Josh Hader gets important injury update

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