The Houston Astros are in a tight divisional race with the Seattle Mariners,where every game is now extremely important down the final month and a halfstretch of the season. There is extra emphasis on staying healthy this time ofyear for teams that are in the playoff picture.

Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left shoulder. The move, retroactive to Monday, comes after the left-hander reported shoulder discomfort before Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.