Josh Hader Takes Big Step Forward with Live Batting Practice Session

Josh Hader, the Astros’ closer, made significant strides toward his return to the mound by participating in a live batting practice session before Tuesday’s matchup against the Colorado Rockies. This marked Hader’s first time facing hitters since August, as he threw 20 pitches to Taylor Trammell and Brice Matthews, showcasing his readiness after a lengthy absence due to injury.

Having sat out the entire season due to left biceps inflammation, following a left shoulder strain that sidelined him for the last seven weeks of the 2025 season, Hader expressed relief at completing the session. “I got through it. That’s a positive thing to note,” he remarked, reflecting on his progress.

Prior to taking the mound at Daikin Park, Hader estimated he threw about 15 pitches in the bullpen. His fastball velocity ranged between 91-93 MPH, aligning with his expectations for his first outing back on the field. “Feeling good. Feeling strong,” Hader stated confidently. “Throwing relatively hard and commanding the baseball in the zone. Commanding the slider, getting good whiffs on it. Ideally, that’s what you want.”

Hader is treating his recovery process with the same seriousness as he would during the ramp-up to a new season. He plans to throw another bullpen session in the coming days, followed by another live batting practice. While he aims to minimize the time between these sessions, he refrained from setting a specific timeline for when he might embark on a rehab assignment. “I take it day by day. Try and build my shoulder, bullet proof it, get it strong, and I feel like I’ve been able to do that,” he added, highlighting his commitment to a careful and measured recovery.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.