The Houston Astros have officially named Josh Hader as their new closer, a decision confirmed by manager Joe Espada. This move sees Ryan Pressly, who has been the Astros' closer for several years, transition to a setup role. Espada met with both Hader and Pressly on Tuesday to discuss the change, stating, "Hader will pitch the ninth inning if both guys are available." Pressly expressed his support for the decision, emphasizing that Hader's addition strengthens the team and remarked, "He’s hands down one of the best relievers in the game." He also highlighted his flexibility regarding his role on the team, stating, "I get paid to go get three outs. It doesn't matter if it's the fourth inning or ninth inning," underscoring his team-first attitude. The decision is part of the Astros' broader strategy to enhance their bullpen and ultimately aim for the championship trophy, as highlighted by Espada's comments on the team's ultimate goal.
Ryan Pressly has been the Astros closer for years, but he's not worried about the team signing Josh Hader to take over the role. He said it makes the team better. https://t.co/S9EXPtEYEi #khou11
Now in setup role for Astros, Ryan Pressly says Josh Hader 'makes our team better' https://t.co/AST8uHrONY
Full story: Pressly on Hader as new closer: 'He makes our team better' https://t.co/ov2h6zkJMU
Pressly on the Hader addition: "Yeah, it was a surprise, but he makes our team better. He’s hands down one of the best relievers in the game. When you add him to our bullpen, we’re just that much better now."
Ryan Pressly said he’s completely on board with the addition of Hader and said the team got better. “I get paid to go get three outs. It don’t matter if it’s the fourth inning or ninth inning,” he said.
Joe Espada names Josh Hader as the Astros' closer this year in a meeting Tuesday with both Hader and Pressly “I think the ultimate goal is to hold that trophy at the end of the year, and I think both guys were on board.” https://t.co/ycp5AZdzoH
Josh Hader is the Astros’ new primary closer, manager Joe Espada confirmed Wednesday. https://t.co/pfTMZ9LBUP
🚨 It's official 🚨 Josh Hader will be the closer for the @astros #FTLive weighs in on the update from Manager Joe Espada on the state of the pen. ▶️ https://t.co/DM8u3j4rLU https://t.co/zcohxk4zSX
Josh Hader on the news he will be the closer in Houston https://t.co/DQJOPZ27AQ
Astros name Josh Hader their new closer https://t.co/EcaEnaNE0s
Hader will be primary closer for the Astros https://t.co/xA9H18r54A
Astros closer Josh Hader signs autographs https://t.co/QpKL5091hP
Espada met with Josh Hader and Ryan Pressly on Tuesday and said Hader would be his closer. “Hader will pitch the ninth inning if both guys are available,” he said. https://t.co/WCc17WGeT1
Will Josh Hader displace Ryan Pressly as closer? And is Yainer Diaz ready to be the primary catcher? https://t.co/uXwJklwGvc