Overview
- All-Star closer Josh Hader was moved to the 15-day injured list retroactive to Aug. 11 after reporting left shoulder discomfort and a subsequent strain diagnosis.
- Manager Joe Espada said Hader is pursuing a second medical opinion and warned his absence will probably exceed the standard two-week IL window without a firm timetable.
- Houston added Shawn Dubin to the active roster, recalled left-hander Colton Gordon and designated veteran reliever Hector Neris for assignment to shore up bullpen depth.
- Setup man Bryan Abreu took over late-inning duties and recorded his first save of the season in Houston’s most recent victory.
- Locked in a tie atop the AL West with Seattle, the Astros will lean on internal bullpen options and matchup strategies to protect slim leads during a pivotal stretch.