Overview
- Manager Joe Espada said Sousa injured his left oblique on a March 12 fielding play, returned to Houston for evaluation, and will not throw until the pain subsides.
- Sousa begins 2026 on the injured list and will miss Opening Day after delivering a 2.84 ERA in 44 appearances last season.
- Josh Hader will also start the season on the IL with biceps tendinitis, prompting Abreu to handle the ninth inning to open the year.
- The Astros view Abreu, Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos and Steven Okert as bullpen locks, with De Los Santos progressing after a right knee sprain.
- With roster spots at stake, candidates include AJ Blubaugh, Rule 5 pick Roddery Muñoz, Christian Roa and Peter Lambert as Houston weighs bullpen size and rotation alignment.