After the Astros put Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder strain, the question is who will replace the former NL Reliever of the Year as the team's primary closer. Manager Joe Espada made his thoughts clear on that after Tuesday's terrible 14-1 loss against the Red Sox, where their relievers were busted.

Hader is likely to be replaced by Bryan Abreu in save situations for now, but the rest of the Astros' bullpen alignment is up in the air.

Houston Astros right-hander Cristian Javier returned from Tommy John surgery and threw five innings to beat the visiting Boston Red Sox on Monday night.

The Houston Astros optioned a starting pitcher to make room for the return of Cristian Javier from the 60-day injured list.