Imagine one of baseball’s most dominant relievers facing an unexpected hurdle just weeks before Opening Day. That’s the reality for Houston Astros’ Josh Hader, who’s battling biceps tendinitis as he gears up for the 2026 season. According to ESPN, the All-Star pitcher resumed throwing on Wednesday but admitted he’s unsure if he’ll be ready for the season’s start. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Hader first noticed the issue during an offseason bullpen session while throwing a changeup. Despite taking time off, the discomfort lingered, leading to a diagnosis of biceps tendinitis about 10 days ago. And this is the part most people miss: Hader estimates he’s three weeks behind schedule, though he remains optimistic after a successful first day of catch play in Florida. 'A little setback, but nothing too concerning,' he told reporters, per MLB.com. Yet, this isn’t his first injury-related challenge—Hader missed the end of the 2025 season due to a left capsule shoulder strain. Controversially, some fans are questioning whether the Astros’ training regimen is to blame for recurring injuries among key players. Meanwhile, manager Joe Espada and general manager Dana Brown aren’t hitting the panic button. 'I think he’s going to be fine,' Brown said, emphasizing Hader’s positive outlook and expected soreness during recovery. With 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA in 2025, Hader’s health is critical for Houston’s bullpen. But here’s the burning question: Can he fully recover in time, or will this setback linger? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is this just a minor hiccup, or a sign of deeper issues for the Astros?
