Josh Hader is sidelined by a left capsule shoulder strain and will not throw for three weeks, receiving rest and rehab with a re‑evaluation to determine if he can resume a throwing program. If he recovers, a three‑week ramp‑up would be needed to reach game action, likely shelving him for the rest of the regular season but keeping a postseason return within reach. Houston’s closer situation becomes a major late‑season variable as the Astros chase the AL West crown.

In his second season with Houston, Hader owns a 6-2 record with a 2.05 ERA and 28 saves over 48 appearances, underscoring the impact of his health on the bullpen. Houston sits a half-game ahead of Seattle in the division race, amplifying the stakes of any setback and elevating the value of any bullpen reshuffling for fantasy managers monitoring saves, holds, and late‑inning leverage.