Astros Ace Hunter Brown Placed on IL with Shoulder Strain

Promising young pitcher sidelined through mid-April after strong start to 2026 season.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:04pm

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The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown on the injured list due to a shoulder strain. Brown, the team's opening day starter, had a strong start to the 2026 season with a 1-0 record and 0.84 ERA in his first two outings before the injury sidelined him.

Why it matters

Brown has emerged as the ace of the Astros' pitching staff after a breakout 2025 season. His injury is a significant blow to the team's rotation as they look to build on last year's success and make another playoff run.

The details

The Astros placed Brown on the IL on Sunday, April 5, with the move retroactive to April 2. It's possible he sustained the injury during a bullpen session between his first two starts. Brown had allowed just one earned run with 17 strikeouts and six walks in those initial outings.

  • Brown was placed on the injured list on April 5, 2026.
  • The move was retroactive to April 2, 2026.

The players

Hunter Brown

A right-handed pitcher and the opening day starter for the Houston Astros, who has emerged as the ace of the team's pitching staff.

Houston Astros

A Major League Baseball team based in Houston, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“After two solid starts, shoulder issue sidelines Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown through at least mid-April.”

— USA TODAY

What’s next

The Astros have not provided a specific timeline for Brown's return, but he is expected to be sidelined through at least mid-April as he recovers from the shoulder strain.

The takeaway

The Astros will need to rely on their depth in the pitching rotation to weather the loss of their ace, Hunter Brown, as he recovers from a shoulder strain. This injury is a significant setback for a team with high expectations for the 2026 season.