Houston Astros closer Josh Hader played catch again Friday after the six-time All-Star left-hander dealt with biceps tendinitis while throwing bullpen sessions in the offseason.

Manager Joe Espada said Hader, who missed the end of last season with a shoulder capsule strain, had stopped playing catch after a series of offseason bullpens before getting to Florida for the start of spring training this week.

"Hopefully we could get him going here. He's trending in the right direction," Espada said. "We have plenty of time to get him back on the field since we know how important he is to our team."