Josh Hader Resumes Throwing After Biceps Tendinitis Sidelined Astros Closer

Six-time All-Star Josh Hader played catch Friday in West Palm Beach following a setback involving biceps tendinitis during his fourth offseason bullpen session.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Houston Astros closer Josh Hader played catch again Friday at the team's spring training facility after a Josh Hader injury involving biceps tendinitis disrupted his offseason throwing program. The 31-year-old left-hander, a six-time All-Star, reported feeling discomfort in his biceps while throwing a changeup during his fourth bullpen session of the winter. This physical setback forced the reliever to halt his throwing progression before arriving in Florida for the start of camp this week. Despite the delay, Hader participated in throwing sessions on both Wednesday and Friday, signaling a return to activity for the back-end specialist.

Last season, Hader anchored the Houston bullpen with a 6-2 record, 28 saves, and a 2.05 ERA across 48 appearances. His 2023 campaign ended prematurely following a two-inning performance against the New York Yankees on August 8. The left-hander was sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a shoulder capsule strain, an injury that preceded Houston missing the postseason for the first time in nine years. General manager Dana Brown confirmed that the previous shoulder issue has not been a factor since the pitcher resumed his throwing motion this week.

Offseason Bullpen Setback and Recovery Timeline

Related: at the team's spring

Manager Joe Espada noted that the Josh Hader injury led to a complete cessation of activity between the final offseason bullpens and the start of spring training. Hader described himself as being "a few weeks behind" his typical schedule but characterized the tendinitis as a minor obstacle rather than a long-term concern. The Astros are currently prioritizing a gradual build-up to ensure the closer is fully ramped up for the regular season. Espada emphasized that the club has sufficient time in West Palm Beach to facilitate this recovery given Hader's vital role in the roster hierarchy.

During his media availability on Wednesday, Hader explained the mechanics of the injury, specifically citing the changeup grip as the moment he felt the initial strain. The left-hander has since transitioned back to flat-ground work to test the arm's responsiveness. Team officials are monitoring his daily progress, with Espada stating that the pitcher is currently trending in the right direction. The medical staff and coaching department are focused on a deliberate pace to avoid re-aggravating the biceps area during the high-intensity environment of Grapefruit League preparations.

Statistical Impact and Bullpen Stability

Related: at the team's spring

Hader is entering his second season with the Astros after joining the organization via free agency. His 2.05 ERA from the previous year remains a benchmark for the Houston relief corps, which relied heavily on his 48 appearances before the August shutdown. The team's strategy involves monitoring his workload closely to prevent a repeat of the late-season absence that occurred in 2023. Dana Brown reiterated that the current plan is to build the pitcher back up systematically, relying on Hader's feedback regarding his physical state to dictate the intensity of upcoming sessions.

The absence of Hader during the final stretch of the previous season coincided with the end of Houston's eight-year playoff streak. Consequently, the organization is taking a cautious approach to his current Josh Hader injury to ensure availability for the 162-game grind. The closer's ability to throw without shoulder pain is a significant milestone, as the capsule strain was the primary reason for his extended stint on the sidelines last fall. By focusing on the biceps recovery now, the Astros aim to have their primary save specialist ready for high-leverage situations by Opening Day.

Managerial Outlook and Training Progress

Joe Espada indicated that the team is "just taking our time and make sure that we do this right" regarding the left-hander's return to the mound. The Astros' coaching staff has not yet set a specific date for Hader to return to full-speed bullpen sessions or game action. However, the general manager expressed confidence in the current trajectory, noting that Hader feels good based on the reports provided to the front office. The focus remains on a controlled ramp-up period that accounts for the lost time in the early winter months.

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Hader’s status as a veteran allows the training staff to rely on his personal assessment of his arm strength. Because the shoulder has remained asymptomatic during this week's catch sessions, the focus remains entirely on the biceps tendinitis. The Astros continue to evaluate his recovery daily in West Palm Beach, maintaining a conservative schedule to protect their significant investment in the bullpen. As the six-time All-Star continues to play catch, the team will look for increased distance and velocity before cleared for mound work.