Houston Astros DFA 12-Year Veteran Pitcher

August 13, 2025
Houston Astros pitcher Hector Neris discusses with catcher Yainer Diaz during 2025 game.

The Houston Astros made some notable moves recently as they placed star closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder strain. 

Alongside this move, the Astros designated veteran right-handed reliever Hector Neris for assignment, recalled lefty Colton Gordon from Triple-A, and reinstated righty Shawn Dubin from the injured list, reshaping their bullpen ahead of a critical stretch of the season.

Astros Place Closer Josh Hader on Injured List, Designate Hector Neris for Assignment

Hader, 31, who has been remarkably durable and dominant since his MLB debut in 2017, had never before landed on the injured list for a physical ailment (aside from a brief COVID IL stint). The Astros ace closer is off to a stellar 2025 campaign, boasting a 2.05 ERA, 28 saves, and a strikeout rate of nearly 37%. His recent shoulder discomfort led to further testing, with no clear timetable on his return yet announced by the team.

Neris, 36, returned to Houston this season for his third stint but has struggled mightily, posting a 5.40 ERA in 11.2 innings. His velocity and effectiveness have declined significantly, prompting the Astros to move on and free a bullpen spot. Neris’s experience, including playoff runs and a World Series title with Houston, makes him a valuable veteran presence, but performance concerns forced this roster decision.

With Hader sidelined, the Astros will lean on right-hander Bryan Abreu as their new closer, supported by lefties Bryan King, Bennett Sousa, and Steven Okert, all posting ERAs around 3.10 or better. Shawn Dubin’s return from a forearm strain adds depth, while Colton Gordon’s recall bolsters the pitching staff’s rotation.

This shakeup comes as the Astros face a surging Seattle Mariners club chasing them in the AL West.

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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