Astros manager keeps closer role a mystery after Hader's injury

Astros manager keeps closer role a mystery after Hader's injury originally appeared on The Sporting News

After the Astros put Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder strain, the question is who will replace the former NL Reliever of the Year as the team's primary closer. Manager Joe Espada made his thoughts clear on that after Tuesday's terrible 14-1 loss against the Red Sox, where their relievers were busted.

While naming set-up man Bryan Abreu as the team's closer would make sense, Espada is holding his cards close to the chest.

"I'm not naming (anyone) for the ninth, naming (anyone) for the eighth," the manager said.

The Astros will need a reliable arm to win close games as they are in a tight American League West division race. As of now, Espada will rotate his relievers based on game situations moving forward.

Abreu, boasting a 1.67 ERA, seems to be the best option to go with. Lefties Bennett Sousa and Bryan King, newly recalled Colton Gordon, and veteran Steven Okert are also in the mix. Newcomer Enyel De Los Santos has also made an appearance in relief. 

Espada admitted the loss of Hader, who leads the team with 28 saves and carries a 2.05 ERA, was a "gut punch," but he has put his faith in the guys they have to make up for his absence.

"I feel good about all those guys," Espada said. "I was talking to the relievers about this. Josh Hader, how successful he's been, he needs guys to give him the ball with the lead. So all these guys have set him up to be the closer that he is. Not taking anything away from Josh - Josh is probably the best. But you need guys to help him get to that point. And these guys are capable of doing that."

The Astros and Mariners are tied for first place in the AL West with an identical 67-53 record. The Astros play the Red Sox in the series finale on Wednesday.