Houston Astros closer Josh Hader told reporters Saturday he does not expect to pitch again in the regular season because of a left shoulder capsule strain but did not rule out a return for the playoffs.

The left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, the first time he has been on the IL in nine seasons for anything but an illness.

His recovery timetable is three weeks of rest, with Hader saying Saturday he will need at least another three weeks to regain arm strength and determined he essentially will be out through the end of September.

Hader is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA over 48 appearances with the Astros this season, while making his sixth All-Star Game appearance. He is 28-for-29 in save opportunities.

The 31-year-old has 227 saves in nine big-league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Astros (2024-25). He is 34-31 with a 2.64 ERA in 468 career relief appearances.

Houston entered Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles with a half-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the American League West.

–Field Level Media