Josh Hader, the Astros’ All‑Star closer, returned to the 40‑man roster after a season‑long stint on the 60‑day injured list. The left‑hander cleared a nine‑game rehab tour in the minors, ending a bout of left biceps tendinitis that sidelined him from every game last year in the bullpen.

Last season, Hader posted a 2.05 ERA with 28 saves in the 48 outings, earning a spot in his sixth All‑Star game. His presence restores a reliable punch‑down option for Houston, a team that has struggled to close games during the injury‑plagued stretch.

Alongside Hader’s return, the Astros lifted outfielder Zach Cole from Triple‑A Sugar Land and placed infielder Braden Shewmake on a 10‑day injured list with a right adductor strain retroactive to Sunday. Infielder Carlos Correa, already out for the season after left ankle surgery, was shifted to the 60‑day injured list.

With Hader re‑established, Houston can now rely on a proven closer to secure late‑inning leads, while the bullpen gains depth amid injuries. The roster moves signal the organization’s intent to stay competitive as the season progresses toward the playoffs.