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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Houston Astros will be without Josh Hader to start the season, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Now, the organization needs to pivot with its bullpen plan with opening day just about two weeks away.
For manager Joe Espada, this creates a competition for an opening he wasn't expecting to have. Relievers who were fully expecting to start the season in Triple-A now know they have a chance to make the major league roster. One role is already set as Bryan Abreu will now be the team's closer until Hader returns.
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“It feels great having Bryan, also some (other) guys that can fit that role and throw high-leverage innings and get outs for us late in the game,” Espada told Rome on Wednesday. “We’ve done that with those guys. It’s not ideal not having Hader to start the season, but we do have guys in camp that we feel good about getting those last outs for us late in games.”
The Astros have a handful of options they believe they can turn to in high-leverage situations such as Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa and Bryan King. They feel confident in those three pitchers plus Abreu if their starters can go at least 5-6 innings.
That doesn't mean losing Hader is no big deal. He bounced back last season and recorded a 2.73 ERA for the Astros after struggling last year for Houston and the seasons prior in San Diego. Espada and the organization are hopeful he returns sooner rather than later.
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