Houston Astros closer Josh Hader joins The Matt Thomas Show following a 4-3 loss on the road against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Rafael Montero allowed three runs on four hits in the bottom of the 10th inning making it the Astros second walk-off loss in a row after Hader gave up a walk-off two-run homer to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
"We need a sense of urgency," Hader said. "We all know that," and "it's not going to be an easy fight," but we have to "stick to what we know" to make a run at the division lead. The Astros currently hold a 30-37 record on the season and are 7.5 games back from the lead in the AL West.
Hader discusses signing his five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros, the largest deal ever for a relief pitcher in present-day value. Finalizing the deal was a "pretty quick turnaround" and the thought was to "try and get a World Series with a team that has done it multiple times." The deal allowed Hader to return to the Astros organization after being a member of the minor league system from 2013 to 2015.
When Hader joined the Astros, he was given the closer role but has also stepped up and pitched more than one inning on occasion. "I'm available for multiple if we're going to need it."
Hader also talks about his "really good relationship" with catchers Victor Caratini and Yainer Díaz, staying warm during night games in San Francisco, the hair tips he shares with Spencer Arrighetti and more.
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