Josh Hader left San Diego after a stellar 2023 campaign in his first full season with the Padres. The Houston Astros closer wasn't exactly fazed by the smattering of boos upon his return to Petco Park. "I love pitching here," Hader said after Houston's 3-2 extra innings win. "Obviously, I love the boos. Living rent-free is always a good time."

San Diego fans let Josh Hader know exactly how they feel about his two seasons with their Padres and the closer leaving for the Astros last offseason. When Hader came out of the bullpen in the eighth inning of the Astros' 4-3 win Tuesday night,

Former Padres closer talks 2022 NLDS win over the Dodgers, usage rules that became a talking point at end of Padres’ disappointing 2023 season

Houston Astros' closer Josh Hader wasn't phased by being booed on Tuesday night by the fans who used to support him in San Diego."I love this ballpark," he told reporters postgame, including MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.

The irony did not seem to be lost on 44,553 at Petco Park on Tuesday night when the outfield gate swung open and Josh Hader jogged out to protect a one-run lead in the eighth inning. It was a job that Hader — on the verge of free agency — was unwilling to do for the Padres in 2023 as they sputtered toward arguably the most disappointing season in franchise history.

The Houston Astros defeated the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night thanks in part to closer Josh Hader, who shut the door and reveled in boos.