Astros Injury Updates: Hader, Pena

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Jeremy Peña #3 and Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pose for a photo after media availability during MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Things may be progressing well for Astros closer Josh Hader, according to this update from Brian McTaggart:

Josh Hader (biceps) returned to the mound just now, throwing about 15 pitches in the bullpen.

"Speed is there, fastball is there, action is there, synched up. All positives," he said.

When asked about Opening Day, he said: "We'll see." pic.twitter.com/PTYZlXy3Xb

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 10, 2026

While it should still be considered unlikely Hader would be ready Opening Day, this update does indicate that if Hader has to start the season on IL, he could potentially only miss the minimum required time.

Having Hader at the back of the pen with Bryan Abreu gives the Astros one of the best 1-2 punches to close out a game in baseball.


Meanwhile, SS Jeremy Pena is still getting some work in, despite his fractured finger, as shown here in another McTaggart update.

Jeremy Peña is still able to get his infield work in despite his fractured right ring finger pic.twitter.com/WYCupElmhF

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 10, 2026

Pena is seen getting in grounders while not using his bare hand at all, flipping the ball with his glove to the coach during the drill.

Pena should be back as soon as his finger is healed, and the Astros have previously shown they will push a top player right back to the lineup in the past. If Pena misses Opening Day, he may not miss much more. At this point it seems like Pena could avoid the IL to start the season. Carlos Correa is scheduled to play SS until Pena returns, with Isaac Paredes playing 3B.

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