Astros closer Josh Hader has landed on the IL with a left shoulder strain after he experienced discomfort during a workout that left him unavailable to pitch in Houston's 7-6 win against the Boston Red Sox ( box score ), the team announced Tuesday. Manager Joe Espada instead navigated the ninth inning using a combination of relievers: right-hander Enyel De Los Santos and lefty Bennett Sousa , who was credited with his fifth career save (and fourth of the season) after striking out the only batter he faced.

Hader, 31, has pitched just three times in August, with his most recent appearance (on Aug. 8) doubling as his seventh this season in which he's logged four or more outs. He's been highly effective overall, tallying a 2.05 ERA (202 ERA+) and a 4.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

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