Josh Hader, Astros closer, aims for a return in the 2025 MLB playoffs

Josh Hader Eyes Return in 2025

Injured Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader expressed his desire to pitch again in 2025, even if that means participating only in the postseason. Hader will not be able to pitch for three weeks due to a strain in the left shoulder capsule, diagnosed on Friday. During this time, he will focus on rest and strengthening exercises, and will be reevaluated to determine if he can resume a pitching program.

“We’ll see how my body recovers and how it responds to rehab,” Hader said. “Right now, I’m trying to get as strong as possible over these next three weeks and see where I’m at from there.”

Josh Hader

Once he’s able to return to throwing, Hader will need an additional period of about three weeks to be ready for games, which would likely rule him out for the rest of the regular season. However, the six-time All-Star hopes to return in the postseason for the Astros, who on Saturday led the American League West by half a game over Seattle.

“Obviously, I would love to be part of the playoff fight, but, realistically, I’m thinking about longevity,” Hader said. “If I can get through these three weeks, recover, and start moving in a direction where I can start throwing, yes, I would definitely be optimistic.”

Josh Hader

Hader was placed on the injured list for the first time in his nine-year career on Monday, after feeling something in his shoulder that he hadn’t experienced before while pitching in training.

“It was then that I somehow picked up on the warning signs and wanted to dig deeper to see what was really going on,” Hader said.

Josh Hader

In his second year with the Astros, Hader is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA and ranks fifth with 28 saves in 48 appearances this season.