Astros' Brown has Grade 2 shoulder strain, won't throw for 'a few weeks'

Houston Astros ace Hunter Brown is facing a lengthy absence after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 shoulder strain.

Brown, whom the Astros placed on the injured list Sunday, will be shut down from throwing for "a few weeks," the team announced Tuesday. A firm timetable for his return wasn't provided beyond that.

"The fact that it's muscular, it's a good thing," general manager Dana Brown said, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "I think in about two weeks, two-to-three weeks, he'll probably start tossing. And then we'll see where we are at that point. But I looked at it as good news."

Brown was enjoying a tremendous start to his 2026 season before sustaining the injury, sporting a 0.84 ERA with 17 strikeouts through two starts. In his most recent outing on March 31, he allowed just one hit and one earned run while striking out eight in six innings against the Boston Red Sox.

However, the 27-year-old said his shoulder "didn't feel right" while throwing a bullpen Friday. After being evaluated by team doctors, Houston placed him on the IL.

Brown made his first All-Star team and finished third in AL Cy Young voting last season. He put up a 2.43 ERA along with 206 strikeouts over a career-high 185 1/3 innings.

Cody Bolton, who notched a three-inning save during Brown's win against Boston last Tuesday, has replaced him in Houston's rotation for the time being. The Astros recalled reliever Christian Roa from Triple-A on Sunday.