PHOTO: Josh Hader's wife Maria shares adorable moment from dinner date with son Lucas & his 'emotional support dog'

For Astros closer Josh Hader, success has been harder to come by in 2024 than it has been in previous seasons. However, with his team now favored to win the AL West for for the seventh time in eight years.

Recently, Josh's wife, Maria, shared an adorable representation of their son, Lucas, on her Instagram. The capture includes a picture of Lucas sitting at a table with a plush toy described as his "emotional support animal."

Maria Hader enjoying some quality time with son Lucas

In addition to a picture of herself dining with her two-year old son, Maria Hader also shared a picture of Lucas tucking into some dinner. Claiming to be "off to eat all the oysters and lobster rolls", Maria was evidently travelling to watch her husband's club kick off a four-game road series against the Boston Red Sox.

For the Hader family, the last several months have been hectic. After a protracted free agency, Josh Hader finally signed a five-year, $95 million deal with the Houston Astros in January. However, despite the shiny new deal, Hader has struggled significantly more than in prior seasons.

In 61 games with the San Diego Padres last season, Hader went 2-3 with a 1.28 ERA, gaining attention as one of MLB's best closers. However, as a member of the Astros, Hader is now 4-6 with a 3.75 ERA on the season.

"Not to pile on… BUT Michael A Taylor just hit a 3 run homer for the lead in the top of the 9th off of Josh Hader" - Ben Verlander

Despite the statistical difficulties, the 30 year-old Maryland native has shown signs of improvement. Ever since coughing up three earned runs against the Pirates on July 29, Hader has tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, garnering seven strikeouts over that period of time.

Josh Hader shows signs of improvement for the Astros

After some early season struggles, Hader has certainly settled down. Though his earned run average is up alongside the number of home runs he has allowed, there are other signs of improvement.

Josh Hader's 0.993 WHIP is the lowest of his career since 2021, and his strikeout per nine innings figure of 13.8 represents his highest value since 2022. As the Astros have made up some incredible ground to skyrocket to the top spot in the AL West, watch out for Hader's presence in the bullpen will become increasingly important as October draws nearer.