Fansided · Mar 11
Josh Hader's first spring warmup made Astros Opening Day decision rather easy
Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) reacts | Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesJosh Hader threw his first bullpen session of the spring a couple days ago, and by all accounts, the Houston Astros closer sounded rather pleased with his performance. But once it was revealed that he hit just 87 mph on the radar gun, the writing was on the wall. There's no way Hader is going to be ready for Opening Day.
Astros manager Joe Espada, talking to reporters on Wednesday morning, confirmed as much. Hader will begin the 2026 season on the 15-day IL, but there's hope that his stint with be an abbreviated one. Whether or not Hader goes on a rehab assignment or just stays behind in Florida is not yet know.