Astros place Hader on IL, adopt mix-and-match closer plan

The Houston Astros placed star closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder capsule strain, retroactive to Aug. 11, as he begins a cautious rehabilitation process. With Hader sidelined, manager Joe Espada said the team will not name a permanent closer, opting instead for a mix-and-match approach designed to leverage late-inning matchups. Hader is seeking a second medical opinion, and there is no firm timetable for his return, leaving Houston to navigate the closing innings without its top reliever at a critical stretch of the season.

In a series of roster moves designed to shore up the bullpen, the Astros recalled left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land, reinstated right-hander Shawn Dubin from the injured list, and designated veteran right-hander Hector Neris for assignment. With Hader on the IL, Neris’ designation marks a notable shift for a bullpen that has leaned on a rotation of trusted veterans and younger arms. Neris, who has pitched for multiple clubs this year, has faced durability and performance questions, while the Astros look to stabilize late-inning leverage in the wake of the injury.

Hader has been a central figure for Houston this...