HOUSTON – After a 2025 season plagued by injuries to the pitching staff, the Houston Astros are already facing another significant setback early in the 2026 campaign.
Astros right-hander and staff ace Hunter Brown, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday, met with team doctors in Houston. The team later announced that Brown has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain.
In a statement, the Astros said Brown will not throw for a few weeks while his recovery is evaluated.
Research on Grade 2 shoulder strains suggests an initial healing period of approximately three to six weeks, with a full recovery typically taking between four to eight weeks.
Manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Brown felt something wasn’t right during a routine throwing session in Sacramento. He was evaluated before being sent back to Houston for further examination by team doctors.
Brown made two starts this season, throwing just over 100 pitches against the Angels in the season opener, followed by 78 pitches in his second start against the Red Sox at Daikin Park.
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