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Abreu allowed one run on two walks in one-third of an inning during the Astros' 9-7 win over the Angels on Sunday.
Abreu was brought in for the top of the ninth inning to protect the Astros' three-run lead. However, he walked two of the first three batters he faced and was replaced by Bryan King, and the former was tagged with a run on an RBI single from Nolan Schanuel. Abreu has yielded four earned runs on four walks and one hit across 1.1 innings to open the season, which isn't a great sign given that he was tabbed as the Astros' interim closer in the absence of Josh Hader (biceps). King could be thrust into closing situations if Abreu's early struggles continue.
Astros' Bryan Abreu: Set for interim closer duties
Rotowire
Abreu is expected to open the season as the Astros' closer while Josh Hader (biceps) recuperates, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Hader is throwing off the mound again and might not miss much time, but manager Joe Espada ruled him out for Opening Day. Abreu has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the past four regular seasons, posting a 2.30 ERA and 34.3 percent strikeout rate. Hader will get his closer job back, if healthy, but he remains an injury risk, so it's not out of the question that Abreu's stint as closer lasts indefinitely.
Abreu could start the season as Houston's closer, with Josh Hader's (bicep) status unclear, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
Hader has been limited to playing catch off flat ground thus far in spring, leaving his availability for Opening Day in doubt. If Hader does ultimately start the year on the IL, Abreu would be the clear choice to assume closing duties. The right-hander has been excellent as a setup man for the Astros, posting a combined 2.30 ERA over his last four seasons. Abreu logged 25 holds and a career-high seven saves in 2025.
Astros' Bryan Abreu: Earns $5.85 million with Houston
Rotowire
Abreu signed a one-year, $5.85 million contract with the Astros on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Abreu was one of five relief pitchers in 2025 to record 100-plus strikeouts, doing so for a third consecutive season while boasting a 35.5 percent strikeout rate and 41.2 percent whiff rate. He finished the year with a 2.28 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 25 holds over 71 innings while recording a career-high seven saves, though that opportunity came only after Josh Hader (shoulder) landed on the IL in mid-August. With Hader on track to be fully healthy by Opening Day, Abreu should return to a setup role to begin 2026.
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Astros' Bryan Abreu: Stops bleeding late, earns save
Rotowire
Abreu earned the save Tuesday against the Rangers, allowing one unearned run on three hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.
The right-hander was summoned in the eighth inning after Enyel De Los Santos nearly squandered a 6-1 lead. Abreu, who had allowed eight runs over his previous six appearances, looked to be in danger of another rough outing as he gave up an RBI single to Adolis Garcia following a walk to the first batter he faced. However, Abreu managed to settle down, escape further damage and finish off the ninth to secure his seventh save of the season. The performance not only helped seal a much-needed win for Houston but also provided a confidence boost for Abreu. He owns a 2.37 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 103:31 K:BB across 68.1 innings on the year.
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Astros' Bryan Abreu: Shaky in sixth save
Rotowire
Abreu allowed two hits and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Monday's 6-3 win over the Rangers.
Abreu erased his first mistake with a double play, then put two more runners on base before ending the game with another groundball out. He's allowed multiple baserunners in four of his last six appearances, allowing a total of eight runs over 5.2 innings in that span. Despite the recent struggles, he continues to serve as the fill-in closer while Josh Hader (shoulder) is out. Abreu has a 2.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 101:29 K:BB with six saves and 25 holds over 67 innings this season.
Abreu picked up the save Wednesday against Toronto, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.
One night after blowing a save against the Blue Jays, Abreu rebounded with his fifth save of the season Wednesday. The hard-throwing right-hander has fanned at least one in nine consecutive outings, and he remains in position to close out the regular season as Houston's stopper in the absence of closer Josh Hader (shoulder). Through 66 frames this year, Abreu has a 2.45 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 101:29 K:BB.
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Astros' Bryan Abreu: Blows save Tuesday
Rotowire
Abreu gave up two runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Tuesday, getting charged with his fifth blown save of the season in a 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out two.
Called in to protect a 3-1 lead, Abreu loaded the bases on two walks and a single before serving up a two-run single to Isiah Kiner-Falefa with one out. It was the right-hander's first blown save in five chances since taking over the closer mantle from Josh Hader (shoulder) in early August, but it may only have been a matter of time before Abreu faltered -- he's been tagged for multiple runs in three of his last four appearances, bumping up his ERA on the season from 1.47 to 2.49.
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