Fans were wondering why Josh Hader wasn’t called on to close the Astros game Monday. Now we know the reason.

Hader wasn’t called on in the ninth inning of a one-run game Monday, which had fans asking why.

HOUSTON — The injury bug keeps on biting the Astros. This time, it’s their closer.

The Astros announced on Tuesday that closer Josh Hader was put on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain retroactive to August 11. 

News of Hader’s move to the injured list comes just hours after the All-Star closer wasn’t the one who came out of the bullpen in the ninth Monday with the Astros clinging to a 7-6 lead over Boston. No Hader in the ninth was the talk of social media and the postgame radio shows.  And now we know the reason.

Houston held on for the 7-6 win.  Enyel De Los Santos and Bennett Souza pitched the last two-thirds of an inning with Souza getting the save.

Placing Hader on the injured list was just one move the team made Tuesday.  They also reinstated right-handed pitcher Shawn Dubin from the 15-day injured list and recalled lefty Colton Gordon from Sugar Land.

The team also designated right-handed pitcher Hector Neris for assignment, meaning his third stint with the team is over.

Even with all the injuries, the Astros continue to lead the AL West. Entering play on Tuesday, they had a one-game lead over Seattle. 

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