Astros Await Closer Hader's Return After 'Devastating Blow'

Astros TV voice Todd Kalas says Hader's absence was a major setback for the team's playoff chances.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Houston Astros' playoff chances took a major hit last season when star closer Josh Hader went down with a left shoulder injury in August. Astros TV announcer Todd Kalas called Hader's absence a "devastating blow" for the team, as Hader has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball over the past decade. The Astros are now awaiting Hader's return, with reports of biceps tendinitis putting his opening day status in doubt. Hader's career numbers, including a 14.56 K/9 rate and .158 batting average against, have been described as "video game type numbers" by Kalas, who believes Hader is on track to potentially make the Hall of Fame once he returns to form.

Why it matters

The Astros rely heavily on their bullpen and Hader's absence was a major factor in the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Getting Hader back to full strength is crucial for the Astros to once again be dominant and make a deep postseason run.

The details

Hader suffered the shoulder injury on August 8th after a masterful two-inning outing against the New York Yankees. The Astros had climbed to 14 games over .500 at that point, but the bullpen blew a lead the next day and the team's playoff chances unraveled from there. Hader threw 319 fewer pitches in 2025 compared to the previous season, and the Astros ended up missing the playoffs. Now, with reports of biceps tendinitis, Hader's status for opening day is in doubt as he takes "baby steps" in his recovery.

  • Hader suffered the shoulder injury on August 8th, 2025.
  • Hader is set to turn 32 years old on April 7th, 2026.

The players

Josh Hader

A dominant closer for the Houston Astros who has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the past decade, with a career 14.56 K/9 rate and .158 batting average against.

Todd Kalas

The television voice of the Houston Astros, who called Hader's absence a "devastating blow" for the team's playoff chances.

Jeff Reardon

A former MLB closer who ranks 12th on the all-time saves list with 367, and praised Hader's elite closer abilities.

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What they’re saying

“He's an elite closer and goes after every hitter, no matter who it is. He understands that even a great hitter makes seven outs every 10 at bats. I like the way he strikes people out.”

— Jeff Reardon

“Josh Hader has been one of the most dominant closers in the game for almost a decade now. Last year when he went down, it was a devastating blow. His career numbers of 14.56 k's per 9 and a meager batting average of just .158 are video game type numbers”

— Todd Kalas, Astros TV voice

“then he's tracking as a potential hall of famer”

— Todd Kalas, Astros TV voice

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.