Astros' Hunter Brown Has Grade 2 Shoulder Strain

The Houston Astros announced Tuesday that starting pitcher Hunter Brown has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain, sidelining the team's ace for at least several weeks. The 27-year-old right-hander, who was placed on the 15-day injured list over the weekend with the move retroactive to Thursday, reported discomfort during a routine throwing session last Friday before undergoing imaging in Houston.

Manager Joe Espada provided details during a pregame media session, stating that Brown felt the issue arise mid-throw and immediately stopped. "It didn't feel right and then he stopped throwing," Espada said. "We proceeded to get him to see the doctors. He got imaging done here, and once we got those, we sent him home." Team officials, including general manager Dana Brown, emphasized that the injury is muscular with no structural damage, offering some reassurance. Brown will be shut down from throwing for the next few weeks and reevaluated in two weeks, though a full return could extend beyond a month as he rebuilds arm strength through bullpen sessions, live batting practice, and possibly minor league rehab starts.

Brown entered the season as Houston's top starter...