Astros Closer Josh Hader Nears Return as Pitching Reinforcements Progress

Houston manager Joe Espada provides updates on Hader, Sousa, and Pearson's rehab efforts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery from multiple angles, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic motion of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complex movements and energy of the game.West Palm Beach Today

The Houston Astros received encouraging injury updates on several key pitchers, including closer Josh Hader, left-hander Bennett Sousa, and right-hander Nate Pearson. Manager Joe Espada said Hader could face hitters as soon as next week, Sousa threw live batting practice, and Pearson continues building up innings in West Palm Beach as he recovers from offseason elbow surgery.

Why it matters

The Astros' pitching staff has already dealt with early-season setbacks, with Hunter Brown and Ronel Blanco landing on the injured list. The potential returns of Hader, Sousa, and Pearson could provide crucial reinforcements to stabilize the bullpen and rotation as the season progresses.

The details

Hader, the Astros' All-Star closer, continues to recover from left biceps tendinitis, and his return to facing hitters is an important step toward game action. Sousa, a left-handed reliever, has progressed to live batting practice, suggesting his return from a left oblique strain may be on the horizon. Pearson, a right-handed starter, is being stretched out in West Palm Beach following offseason elbow surgery, with the team eyeing a potential starting role for him.

  • Hader could face hitters as soon as next week.
  • Sousa threw live batting practice on Tuesday in Houston.
  • Pearson threw two innings in West Palm Beach.

The players

Josh Hader

The Astros' All-Star closer who is recovering from left biceps tendinitis.

Bennett Sousa

A left-handed reliever for the Astros who is recovering from a left oblique strain.

Nate Pearson

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Astros who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros.

Hunter Brown

A right-handed pitcher for the Astros who is on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.

Ronel Blanco

A pitcher for the Astros who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Hader could face hitters next week, Joe Espada said. Bennett Sousa threw a live BP today in Houston. Nate Pearson, who is being stretched out as a starter, threw two innings in West Palm Beach.”

— Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros

What’s next

If Hader returns by late April, he could stabilize the Astros' ninth-inning role, allowing Bryan Abreu to move into a more flexible high-leverage role and strengthening the bullpen structure.

The takeaway

The Astros' latest injury updates reflect steady progress across multiple key pitchers, including their All-Star closer Hader, left-hander Sousa, and right-hander Pearson. While timelines remain fluid, the team appears closer to regaining these important contributors as the season continues, which could provide crucial reinforcements for a pitching staff navigating early-season setbacks.