After an injury-riddled season last year, the Astros are already dealing with injuries and setbacks before the regular season even begins.
Two of the players who landed themselves on the 15-day injured list are both relievers: Josh Hader and Bennett Sousa. The team will need to adjust early rotations and bullpen roles to compensate for these absences.
The positive momentum on Josh Hader's shoulder recovery process was short-lived. He is set to start the 2026 season on the injured list. The Astros had hoped the veteran closer would be ready to anchor the bullpen when the regular season began, but unfortunately, someone else will have to step up to close out the game.
Josh Hader's arm has been monitored from the beginning of Spring Training. He was throwing from flat ground and was not showing improvement. However, things were looking up for the closer after his first bullpen session. Unfortunately, he will not be ready for Opening Day.
Bennett Sousa, a left-handed relief pitcher, will also start the season on the 15-day injured list due to a strained left oblique.
Sousa was expected to play a key bullpen role, likely as a setup/bridge reliever, but there is currently no official timeline for his return.
Because of his important role in the bullpen, being placed on the injured list leaves a gap in late-inning depth, forcing the Astros to adjust bullpen roles.
Having both of these relievers on the injured list leaves a gap in the bullpen.
With Hader out, Bryan Abreu is expected to handle closing duties until Hader returns. Abreu has become one of Houston’s most reliable late-inning relievers. His high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking pitches generate strikeouts in key moments.
With left-hander Bennett Sousa sidelined to start the 2026 season with an oblique strain, the Astros are turning to relievers like Bryan King and Enyel De Los Santos to fill the bullpen void. Others in consideration for bullpen spots include Roddery Muñoz, AJ Blubaugh, or Kai-Wei Teng.
However, Enyel De Los Santos has also landed on the injured list due to a right knee strain, and his return date is still unknown. He is still throwing bullpen sessions, although he has yet to face hitters. He could still be ready for Opening Day.
How the Astros manage these bullpen injuries and maintain depth in the coming weeks could be pivotal in setting the tone for the start of the 2026 season.