A Season Defined by Injuries
Astros’ Injury woes test depth like never before in the 2025 season, marking one of the most grueling campaigns in franchise history. A staggering 29 players have landed on the Injured List, one of the highest totals in Major League Baseball history. From starting pitchers to utility players, every corner of the roster has felt the strain.
At one point, Astros’ Injury woes test depth reached its peak when the team’s three most reliable hitters—Jeremy Peña, Yordan Alvarez, and Isaac Paredes—all went down simultaneously. Losing that much offensive firepower at once turned Houston’s path to the postseason into an uphill battle.
Dana Brown Stays Optimistic
On Wednesday, Astros general manager Dana Brown joined Sean Salisbury on SportsTalk790 and offered an update that gave fans a reason to smile.
“We’re actually talking about Paredes coming back this weekend,” Brown said. “There’s an outside chance he could be back for the Seattle series. He’s doing that well in Florida right now, so we’re staying optimistic.”
Paredes strained his right hamstring on July 19, and the Astros placed him on the 60-day injured list. Initially, most thought his season was over. Yet, against the odds, he’s working his way back ahead of schedule.
Paredes’ Impact Cannot Be Overstated.
This year, Paredes made his second All-Star team and his first as an Astro. Even though he only played in 94 games, he still managed 19 home runs, ranking third on the team. His power is impressive, but what truly separates him is his patience at the plate.
“Getting Paredes back would be pretty special because he’s going to see a lot of pitches, set the lineup, and set the tone,” Brown explained. However, fans shouldn’t expect him to jump right back into his role at third base.
“Initially, it will be designated hitter,” Brown said. “We’ll let him DH, give him a day off, then DH again. You want to bring him back gradually.”
This cautious approach may frustrate some fans, but the Astros’ staff knows the risk of reinjury is too high to rush him.
Updates on Alvarez and Hader
Paredes isn’t the only injured star on Brown’s radar. He also offered news on closer Josh Hader and slugger Yordan Alvarez.
“With Hader, if we see him, it’ll be at some point in the postseason,” Brown admitted. That means the Astros may have to grind through the final weeks without their elite left-handed reliever.
As for Alvarez, Brown confirmed the swelling in his sprained ankle remains a concern. Fortunately, recent imaging showed no fracture, keeping hope alive for a late-season return.
The Playoff Push Intensifies
Despite the injuries, Houston’s postseason hopes remain strong. According to ESPN, the Astros hold an 89% chance of reaching October baseball. Still, the road ahead won’t be easy.
The Seattle Mariners currently cling to a slim lead in the AL West. While Houston can still claim a wild-card spot, winning the division would provide a smoother path through the playoffs and avoid the exhausting wild-card round.
Why Depth Matters Most Now
For the Astros, every at-bat and every inning matters from here on out. Getting Paredes back as a DH may not solve all their problems, but it injects life into a lineup desperate for stability. If Alvarez can return before the postseason and Hader is available in October, Houston’s chances of defending its reputation as a perennial contender rise dramatically.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Houston Astros season has tested the limits of patience for fans and players alike. With 29 different players injured at some point, the depth of the roster has been stretched thin. Yet, if the team can weather the storm and reclaim momentum, their resilience could carry them deep into October once again.