Astros' Josh Hader Eyes MLB Postseason Return After Suffering Shoulder Injury

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is looking to return in the postseason after suffering a shoulder injury while training on Monday.

"Obviously, I would love to be part of a playoff push, but realistically, I'm thinking about longevity," Hader said, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "If I can get these three weeks, get healthy and start moving into a direction where I can start throwing, yeah I would be definitely optimistic."

On Friday, the Astros announced that the left-hander would be shut down from throwing for three weeks after he was diagnosed with a left shoulder capsule sprain.

Hader would need to ramp up once he eventually resumes throwing, which could keep him out for the rest of the regular season.

"We'll see how my body recovers and how it's taking on rehab," Hader said, via ESPN. "Right now for me, I'm trying to get as strong as I can for these next three weeks and see where I go from there."

The Astros are in a strong position to make their ninth consecutive postseason appearance with a 68-54 record, but hold a narrow half-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the No. 1 spot in the American League West.

Hader's extended absence will be a tough blow to Houston, as he earned the sixth All-Star nod of his career this season. He's recorded 28 saves in 2025 while posting a 2.05 ERA and 0.854 WHIP.

Hader has also racked up 76 strikeouts compared to a mere 16 walks across 52.2 innings of work.

Houston will be hoping that he can come back in the postseason, particularly given his track record in the intense environment. Hader owns a 1.64 ERA while averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings across 18 career postseason appearances with the Astros, San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.