Josh Hader Progressing as Houston Looks to Rebound vs Angels

The Houston Astros enter Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Angels looking to respond after a season-opening defeat in which Mike Trout helped power the Angels to victory with a home run. The early setback has placed immediate focus on both performance and roster health as Houston works through the opening stretch of the 2026 season.

Before the rematch, the Astros received a series of injury updates that provided some optimism, particularly regarding key bullpen pieces. The most notable development involved star reliever Josh Hader, who continues to recover from a biceps issue.

Additional updates also clarified the status of other injured pitchers, suggesting that Houston’s bullpen depth could improve in the coming weeks. While timelines vary, the overall outlook appears more positive than uncertain.

As the Astros aim to stabilize early in the season, managing pitching health remains a central priority alongside on-field adjustments.

1. Hader Takes Step Forward in Recovery

Josh Hader remains the most closely watched injury case within the Astros bullpen. According to reporting from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the left-hander threw a bullpen session on Friday, marking a notable step in his recovery process. Hader has been sidelined with a biceps injury, though the bullpen session suggests progress toward a return to game action. While the quality and intensity of the session were not fully detailed, the fact that he resumed mound work is considered a positive sign. Houston has not yet provided a definitive timeline for his return, but the organization is expected to continue evaluating his response to throwing activity before advancing his workload. Last season, Hader was a key late-inning presence, and his absence early in the year leaves a significant gap in the Astros’ bullpen structure.

2. Additional Bullpen Reinforcements Progressing

Beyond Hader, the Astros also received encouraging updates on several other relievers working their way back from injury. Left-hander Bennett Sousa is dealing with a Grade 1 oblique strain, which is expected to keep him out for only a minimal amount of time beyond the required injured list stint. The diagnosis suggests a relatively short recovery window, allowing Houston to anticipate his return without a prolonged absence. His progression will still depend on how quickly he can resume baseball activities without discomfort. Meanwhile, right-hander Enyel De Los Santos is continuing his rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land, where he is expected to build up game readiness before rejoining the major league roster. These developments provide the Astros with a clearer path toward bullpen reinforcement as the early part of the season unfolds.

3. Houston Balancing Health and Early-Season Results

Despite the encouraging injury updates, Hader’s return timeline remains uncertain. The Astros continue to take a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term availability over an accelerated comeback. Hader’s 2025 season highlighted his value, as he posted a 2.05 ERA across 48 appearances while recording 28 saves and striking out 76 batters in just over 52 innings. Those numbers underscore the impact his return could have once he is fully healthy. Houston’s pitching staff is currently navigating early-season adjustments while awaiting reinforcements. The organization is expected to monitor each injured pitcher closely as they progress through rehab milestones. As the Astros prepare for another matchup with the Angels, the team is focused on stabilizing both performance and health, two factors that will shape the opening weeks of their season.