Astros face closer conundrum as playoff hopes hang in the balance
The Houston Astros find themselves at a critical juncture in their season, with closer Josh Hader sidelined on the 15-day injured list since August 12 due to a left shoulder strain. The uncertainty surrounding Hader’s postseason status casts a shadow over the Astros’ playoff aspirations. His absence has been felt acutely, as reliever Bryan Abreu has struggled to fill the closer role, leading to mounting pressure on a team that now holds a precarious position in the playoff race.
Playoff picture growing murky
As the Astros (79-67) navigate the final stretch of the season, they face fierce competition from the Seattle Mariners (78-68) and Texas Rangers (77-70), both of whom are eager to claim a postseason spot. With the stakes rising, the Astros’ inability to secure games without a reliable finisher in the bullpen is becoming increasingly problematic. The urgency to stabilize the closer situation has spurred discussions about potential reinforcements.
A veteran solution emerges
In light of Houston’s closer dilemma, the suggestion of adding Craig Kimbrel has gained traction. The nine-time All-Star, now 37, possesses a wealth of late-game experience, making him an intriguing option as the Astros grapple with Hader’s absence. An MLB analyst recently highlighted Kimbrel’s past dominance, noting, “There was a time when Kimbrel was one of the most feared relievers in the game.”
While Kimbrel may not be the pitcher he once was, he remains adept at handling the pressure that comes with closing out games. His performance this season, albeit in a limited capacity, shows promise. After signing with Houston on August 22, Kimbrel has allowed just one unearned run over eight appearances, totaling six innings of work.
A strategic shift in the bullpen
Adopting Kimbrel as the closer could allow Abreu to revert to a role where he has thrived. This season, Abreu has excelled in the eighth inning, boasting an impressive 0.57 ERA over 49 appearances. In contrast, his struggles in the ninth inning are evident, where he has posted a 7.63 ERA over 17 outings.
By shifting Kimbrel into the closer role, the Astros could potentially bolster their chances of success as they head into the final 16 games of the regular season. Manager Joe Espada may need to weigh this strategic adjustment seriously, as the postseason looms ever closer and every game becomes critical in the race for October.
