Traditional closing role awaits Brewers manager Craig Counsell confirmed Tuesday that Hader will serve as a traditional closer this season, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. Impact The Brewers have been creative with Hader's usage in the past, and the presence of Devin Williams -- who struck out more than half the batters he faced last season -- could allow the team to deploy Hader earlier in games. It appears they'll go the more conventional route, however. Hader turned the so-called "Andrew Miller role" into the "Josh Hader role" early in his career, averaging 4.3 outs per appearances while saving just 12 games over his first two seasons. He's been a traditional closer to the last two years, though, and his outs per appearance continue to drop, falling to 3.7 in 2019 before sinking to 2.7 last year. Having a true closer role may continue to suppress his innings total but will nevertheless be a big boost to his fantasy value in most setups.
MARCH 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
