Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is looking to return in the postseason after suffering a shoulder injury while training on Monday.

The Houston Astros will be without Josh Hader for a while, but the closer returning in the postseason is still on the table.

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader has been diagnosed with a left shoulder capsule sprain and will be shut down from throwing for "approximately three weeks," the team announced on Friday afternoon. The Astros will determine Hader's next steps once that period passes.

It's Hader's first-ever trip to the IL, save for a bout of COVID in 2021, and it leaves the Astros without their six-time All-Star. It's especially notable that the injury came after a multi-inning outing, which Hader famously refused to do before he got his second contract.

The Houston Astros have confirmed All-Star closer Josh Hader's injury diagnosis, which will keep him off the mound for at least three weeks.

Hader, 31, has pitched just three times in August, with his most recent appearance (on Aug. 8) doubling as his seventh this season in which he's logged four or more outs. He's been highly effective overall, tallying a 2.05 ERA (202 ERA+) and a 4.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

There is an abundance of riches in the outfield right now, as most fantasy baseball managers will be able to find multiple outfielders on the waiver wire who can be streamed into their lineup. There is also a surprising source of infield production and a couple hurlers who can make a big difference.

Can the pitching coaches take what he has left and mold it into a decent seventh inning guy? Only they know for sure. As a practical matter they only have to decide whether he is better than Colton Gordon and Shawn Dubin.