For all intents and purposes, the Houston Astros’ playoff chances officially evaporated when Josh Hader felt his left shoulder give out.
Ironically, the final outing on August 8th resulted in a masterful two-inning winning performance, featuring a season high 36 pitches against the New York Yankees. With the win, Houston had climbed to 14 games over the .500 mark. Ironically, the following afternoon the bullpen would blow a lead and the rest is history.
Hader would throw 319 less pitches from the previous season and the Houston Astros would find themselves sitting at home during baseball’s postseason for the first time since 2016.
Once again, the health of Hader looms large, taking center stage with reports of biceps tendinitis placing opening day in doubt. Hader, set to turn 32 years of age on April 7th, is taking baby steps. Just how much is Hader at 100% needed for the Astros to once again be dominant?
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Jeff Reardon, who ranks 12th on the all-time saves list with 367, didn’t mince words when asked by The Sporting News.
“He’s an elite closer and goes after every hitter, no matter who it is. He understands that even a great hitter makes seven outs every 10 at bats. I like the way he strikes people out.”
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Astros TV voice Todd Kalas told The Sporting News it was even bigger than that.
“Josh Hader has been one of the most dominant closers in the game for almost a decade now. Last year when he went down, it was a devastating blow. His career numbers of 14.56 k’s per 9 and a meager batting average of just .158 are video game type numbers”
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When asked once Hader returns to his regular form, what then? Kalas chimed in, “then he’s tracking as a potential hall of famer”
For a club that went 27-17 in 1 run contests a year ago, representing 27% of their games, nothing is more paramount than getting number 71 back on the mound.
