After an injury-riddled season last year, the Astros are already dealing with injuries and setbacks before the regular season even begins. Some of these players will be back soon, while others’ return dates are unclear. Here is a look at the players currently on the Astros’ injury list, based on MLB and team reports.
Left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain from a Grapefruit League game.
Infielder/outfielder Zach Dezenzo is dealing with right elbow soreness that flared up during the World Baseball Classic. He is taking a break from throwing but can swing the bat.
Left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, recovering from left biceps tendinitis, threw his third bullpen session on March 17 and will begin the season on the injured list.
Right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos continues throwing in the bullpen and could be on target for Opening Day, while right-handed pitcher Nate Pearson is throwing bullpens but has yet to face hitters and is likely to begin the year on the injured list.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña, out with a right ring finger fracture, is ruled out for Opening Day. Peña is throwing the baseball and is expected to start swinging in the near future.
The Astros also have several pitchers recovering from major elbow surgeries. Left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter, recovering from Tommy John surgery on Sept. 23, is expected back in 2027.
Right-handed pitcher Ronel Blanco, recovering from UCL and flexor tendon surgery on June 6, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, who underwent Tommy John surgery on May 23, will miss significant time and are unlikely to return until 2026.
With the regular season fast approaching, the Astros will need to carefully manage their roster and pitching depth while monitoring these injured players.
Some, like Peña and Sousa, could return sooner than expected, while others, such as Brandon Walter and Hayden Wesneski, face longer recovery timelines. How Houston navigates these setbacks will play a critical role in shaping the team’s bullpen and lineup early in 2026.
Maintaining roster depth and player health will be crucial for the Astros, as even small injuries or overworked pitchers could have outsized effects on the team’s performance.
As Opening Day approaches, other players will need to step up to fill the gaps in the rotation and provide stability wherever it is most needed.