"Set-up man Bryan Abreu, he of a 1.67 ERA and 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings, is the most obvious option to take closing duties in Hader's absence. Nothing behind Abreu is as settled, meaning Espada may take a matchup-based approach before handing the ball to his substitute closer," he wrote.

Hader is the eighth pitcher to join the Astros’ current injured list, which includes starters Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. Position players such as Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers and Isaac Paredes are also out with various ailments.

Astros closer Josh Hader has landed on the IL with a left shoulder strain after he experienced discomfort during a workout that left him unavailable to pitch in Houston's 7-6 win