If you were to make a list of the Houston Astros cannot afford to be without if they want to turn things around in 2026, Hunter Brown would be at or near the top of the list. After the departure of Framber Valdez, Brown is the undisputed ace of a Houston rotation with a lot of questions and injury concerns. Unfortunately, we can now add Brown to that list of question marks.
Through his first two starts of the season, Brown had been pitching well. He has only given up one earned run across 10.2 innings with 17 strikeouts against six walks. You can have some quibbles as to his early season efficiency, but the results have been there and it was exciting to think about what he could do once all the offseason rust was knocked off.
Instead, it looks like the Astros may have to wait a while to see Brown in action again. On Sunday, it was reported that Brown was heading to the IL with what is currently be described as a right shoulder strain.
Hunter Brown is going on the IL with a right shoulder strain.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 5, 2026