Amidst the Houston Astros’ struggle to rediscover their identity after a disappointing start to the season, a crucial update has immediately rekindled hope for the entire team: All-Star closer Josh Hader is very close to returning to the court, and if everything goes according to plan, he could make his comeback this month.

Confirmed by the Houston Astros, Hader completed a live batting practice session on April 28th, where he competed against the team’s players, including Jeremy Peña, and will conduct another similar session before officially beginning his rehab assignment—the final step before returning to MLB. If nothing changes, the expected date for his comeback is May 24th.

This is extremely positive news.

But it’s also a reminder that the Astros have waited too long.

Since the start of the 2026 season, the Astros have largely operated without their “ultimate weapon” in the bullpen, as Hader is still recovering from a bicep injury, a problem that directly affects his ability to generate power and consistency in each shot, and that has left the team’s pitching system missing a crucial piece in the final innings.

It’s no coincidence that the Astros are starting the season with a 12-20 record, with particularly worrying is their road game performance of only 4 wins in 16 games, a number that clearly reflects a lack of consistency and the ability to close out games—something a closer like Hader usually guarantees.

Remember, Hader isn’t just an ordinary pitcher, but one of MLB’s top closers for almost a decade, with six All-Star appearances and an incredibly impressive 2025 season where he achieved a 6-2 record and an ERA of 2.05 in 48 games, becoming a solid pillar for the Astros during their most stressful moments.

At 32, he has maintained a consistent fastball speed of 93-94 mph in recent practice sessions, a sign that his recovery is on track and, more importantly, his body is responding positively to the increasing workload.

According to internal reports, Hader pitched around 25 pitches in the most recent BP live session, with no signs of injury recurrence, leading the Astros coaching staff to be optimistic that he can soon enter a trial period in the minor league before officially returning to the first team.

However, the Astros are also being extremely cautious.

They understand that rushing Hader back could carry more risks than benefits, especially with the season still long and their goal not only being to overcome the current difficult period but also to be ready for the playoff race at the end of the season.

This puts the Astros in a difficult position: they need Hader now, but they can’t risk his future.

During Hader’s absence, the Astros’ bullpen has had to constantly rotate, with names like Bryan Abreu shouldering the closing role, but despite his moments of brilliance, Hader’s consistency and “fear” remain irreplaceable.

Because in baseball, there are pitchers who beat their opponents not only with skill—but also with presence.

Hader is one of them.

With the Astros preparing for a crucial series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, before returning home to host the Los Angeles Dodgers, the pressure is mounting daily, and every win now is vital in the race to catch up.

Hader’s return, if it happens at the right time, could be a game-changer.

Not just tactically.

But also mentally.

Looking back on his career, Hader was selected in the 19th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, then rose to become one of the best relievers of his generation with the Milwaukee Brewers, before a brief stint with the San Diego Padres and finally joining the Astros, where he continued to prove his worth with a career ERA of 2.64 in 468 games.

A record that needs no further proof.

The only thing missing now—

Is a comeback.

For the Astros, the 2026 season isn’t over yet.

But it’s at a turning point.

And the biggest question now isn’t whether they’re competitive enough—

but whether Josh Hader can return in time to save it all… before it’s too late.