The Houston Astros have been able to stay atop the AL West. With a 77-63 record entering Thursday, they now have a four-game lead on the Seattle Mariners.
Although the Astros have been dealt unfortunate luck on the injured list, they are still in line to take the division title.
Injuries have filled Houston's top headlines in the past couple of months, a lot of it being bad news, but the Astros got some positive news on closing pitcher Josh Hader.
Astros' Joe Espada: Josh Hader making progress on shoulder injury
The Houston Astros $95 million closer, Josh Hader, has been out since Aug. 8 after sustaining a shoulder capsule strain in his throwing arm. Reports believe that he won't be able to return during the last month of the regular season, but the postseason is up in the air.
Before the Astros' matchup against the New York Yankees on Thursday, manager Joe Espada gave an encouraging update on the six-time All-Star closer.
"Josh Hader had follow-up imaging on his shoulder this week. Joe Espada said it showed that 'the capsule is healing' but Hader is still not to the point of resuming throwing," Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle posted to social media.
MORE: Astros' Spencer Arrighetti may miss rest of regular season, Joe Espada says
Although he's still not throwing, Hader's status for October is still up in the air. If he's able to return for the Astros, it would be huge to get their main closer back for a chance at a World Series push.
Before his injury, Hader was having another dominant season. Through 48 appearances, he has a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts in 52.2 innings.