Houston Astros left-handed reliever Bennett Sousa strained his left oblique during last Thursday's Grapefruit League outing against the Nationals and will begin the 2026 season on the injured list. Manager Joe Espada said Sousa will be sidelined until the pain subsides. The injury creates opportunities for other relievers in the bullpen.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Bennett Sousa was sent back to Houston for further tests following the oblique strain sustained in the game against the Nationals. Espada noted on Thursday that Sousa would “be down for a while” and added, “We’re going to not have him throw until that pain goes away.” Sousa had been expected to play a key role in the Astros' bullpen after a strong 2025 season, where he appeared in 44 games with a 2.84 ERA. He held left-handers to a .145 average and .433 OPS before being placed on the IL on Aug. 22 with left elbow inflammation, ending his year there. The injury opens spots in the bullpen. Current locks to break camp include Bryan Abreu, Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos and Steven Okert. Swingmen Ryan Weiss and Kai-Wei Teng are also likely headed for the Opening Day roster. Abreu will serve as closer to start the season, with Josh Hader beginning the year on the IL due to biceps tendinitis. King, a lefty, handled high-leverage seventh innings last year against both right- and left-handers. De Los Santos, signed for $1.6 million in November, recovered from an early camp right knee sprain and is facing hitters, expected in exhibition games soon. If carrying eight relievers, two spots remain among AJ Blubaugh, Rule 5 pick Roddery Muñoz, Christian Roa and Peter Lambert. Lambert, with Major League experience, allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Mets on Thursday and has a 2.92 ERA over 12 1/3 spring innings. “I’ve felt good all of camp,” Lambert said. “I’ve gone out there and I think I’ve done pretty well, but that’s all out of my hands. I’m just going out there and competing every time I can.” Muñoz has been scoreless in his last six Grapefruit League innings, striking out 14 and walking one in 8 1/3 innings. Roa has one run allowed and 12 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.