Abreu to start season as Astros closer
Mar 12 2026
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Houston Astros
NEWS: Manager Joe Espada confirmed that LHP Josh Hader will begin the season on the IL with left bicep inflammation and that RHP Bryan Abreu would step into the closer’s role to begin the season.
IMPACT: High
BHQ SPIN: This is the short-term arrangement we expected once it was reported that Hader was shut down from his throwing sessions in early February; he just ran out of time to get ramped up for the regular season. He did throw his first bullpen earlier this week, but the late-2025 shoulder issue and now this bicep issue bring some more long-term risk into the picture. Abreu, at least, is the sure-fire backup and should garner the saves in the short term. Our projected saves split for the regular...
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