The Houston Astros are currently taking on the Athletics in a three-game set. The rubber match is set for 4:10 p.m. EST on Sunday.
Per the team’s social media account, ace starter Hunter Brown is headed to the 15-day Injured List with a right shoulder sprain. The move is retroactive to April 2, and the corresponding move is calling up RHP Christian Roa from Triple-A to fill Brown’s spot on the active roster.
Houston is off to a strong start this season, sitting at 6-3, and atop the AL West.
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Astos Rotation Gets Tough News After Hunter Brown Injury
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 26: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros takes the ball from Hunter Brown #58 in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Daikin Park on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
This injury news is tough for the Astros, who will call on the depth of their starting rotation over the next couple of weeks. Brown will likely miss (at minimum) his next 2-3 starts.
He’s made two starts this season and has collected 17 strikeouts in 10.2 innings pitched.
Hunter Brown was a force in MLB last season. In 31 starts and 185.1 innings, the dominant right-hander boasted an ERA of 2.43 and tallied 200+ strikeouts. 2026 marks his fifth season in MLB, and Brown has a career earned run average of 3.44 over 94 total starts. He finished third in American League CY Young voting as well.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Daikin Park on March 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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What’s Next for Astros After Hunter Brown IL Stint
The Houston Astros may want to consider heading to the external market to pick up an additional starter.
The hope is that Hunter Brown doesn’t have to miss extended time, but being that he’s the ace of the staff, the Stros will be relying on names like Tatsuya Imai (who has fit right in pitching in MLB), Lance McCullers Jr., Christian Javier, and Mike Burrows.
Here’s CBSSports assessment of the Brown injury, as they were quick to the news shortly after the  Astros made the announcement.
“The right-hander presumably sustained the injury during his previous start versus Boston on Tuesday, when he picked up his first win of the season after striking out eight and giving up one run on a hit and two walks over six innings. Brown will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-April, but it wouldn’t be surprising if a shoulder issue necessitates a longer absence.”
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