![\"MLB:](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/26730173.jpg\")
Jul 28, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) pitches against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nHouston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis in his left pitching arm, manager Joe Espada said Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Hader’s biceps injury was diagnosed early last month. It is not related to the left shoulder capsule strain that caused him to miss the last two months of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Hader, who turns 32 on April 7, threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday and is expected to throw a few more before facing live hitters.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “How he felt yesterday throwing is a good indication that we are going in the right direction and that’s all we are looking for right now,” Espada said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Right-hander Bryan Abreu will fill in as the closer while Hader is sidelined.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Hader went 6-2 with 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA in 48 appearances last season. He struck out 76 in 52 2\/3 innings and his last outing came on Aug. 8.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Hader has 62 saves in two seasons with the Astros. Overall, he has 227 in nine big league campaigns with the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Houston.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n A six-time All-Star, Hader is 34-31 with a 2.64 ERA in 468 career relief outings.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Last season, Abreu, 28, was 3-4 with seven saves and a 2.28 ERA in 70 relief appearances.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n