Astros closer Josh Hader lands on IL in ‘punch to the gut’

The Astros’ injury woes got even worse on Tuesday. 

The franchise placed closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain, adding to their long list of sidelined players. 

Hader, 31, reportedly felt some shoulder discomfort Monday and wasn’t available to pitch during their 7-6 win over the Red Sox.

“He walked in and he was doing his [plyometrics] before doing his throwing program and just did not feel right,” Astros manager Joe Espada said, according to MLB.com. “We went ahead and got some testing done, and we’re waiting on the results and should know something more tomorrow.”

On Friday against the Yankees, Hader threw a season-high 36 pitches over two innings, which was the last time he entered a game. 

Hader warmed up in the bullpen on Sunday but didn’t get into the game. 

“A punch to the gut,” manager Espada said of the news on Tuesday, according to The Athletic.

Hader had been his usual dominant self before the injury this season, logging 28 saves with a 2.05 ERA in 48 games. 

Espada said he’s not ready to name another closer just yet. 

“I’m not naming [anyone] for the ninth, not naming [anyone] for the eighth,” he said. 

Hader is the eighth pitcher to join the Astros’ current injured list, which includes starters Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. 

Position players such as Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers and Isaac Paredes are also out with various ailments.

The Astros have had some good news when it comes to the health of their starting rotation of late, though, after they welcomed back Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti from the injured list. 

Heading into Tuesday’s play, the Astros are 67-52 and clinging to a one-game lead over the Mariners in the American League West.