US EditionAstros Left-Hander Bennett Sousa to Open Season on Injured List with Oblique Strain
Sousa strained his left oblique during spring training and will miss at least 15 days, adding to Houston's bullpen challenges after his strong 2025 season with a 2.84 ERA.
- Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, after straining his left oblique last Thursday against the Washington Nationals, manager Joe Espada said.
- Coming off a 2025 breakout, Sousa previously landed on the injured list on Aug. 20 with left elbow inflammation, after missing 2024 due to injury.
- His 2025 season highlighted his value; he appeared in 44 games with a 2.84 ERA and 59 strikeouts, demonstrating effectiveness last year.
- The Astros' bullpen loses a key option with Sousa sidelined, reducing relief depth after his injury, the latest blow to Houston's bullpen for the start of the season.
- Last week, Espada also said All-Star closer Josh Hader will start the season on the 15-day injured list, and Hader's buildup will extend past the Astros' opener against the Los Angeles Angels on March 26.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Astros Reliever Bennett Sousa to Open Season on Injured List with Oblique Strain
Houston Astros left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa will start the upcoming season on the injured list because of an oblique strain, manager Joe Espada said Thursday. The club did not provide a specific timeline for his recovery, but Espada indicated that Sousa is expected to be sidelined for an extended period rather than a short-term absence. […] The post Astros Reliever Bennett Sousa to Open Season on Injured List with Oblique Strain appeared fi…
Key lefty reliever Sousa to open season on IL with oblique strain
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Astros left-handed reliever Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the injured list after straining his left oblique in last Thursday's Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals. Sousa was sent back to Houston for further tests, but manager Joe Espada said Thursday he would “be
Astros' Bennett Sousa To Begin Season On Injured List
Astros reliever Bennett Sousa will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, manager Joe Espada tells reporters (including Brian McTaggart of MLB.com). The southpaw suffered a left oblique strain last week and is back in Houston for testing. It certainly seems like it’ll be more than a minimal injured list stay. Espada declined to specify a timeline but noted it’d be “a while.” Sousa is shut down entirely until he’s able to throw without pain…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
