Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader avoided salary arbitration on Tuesday by signing a one-year, $11 million deal. Hader remains an elite closer in both real life and fantasy after posting 34 saves, a 1.23 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, a 45.5% strikeout rate and a 10.7% walk rate in 58 2/3 relief innings for the Brew Crew in 2021. No pitcher since 2017 has a better strikeout rate than Hader's (44.4%). Fantasy managers should expect a bit of regression in the ERA department, but the left-hander's lofty strikeout rate supports his lofty ADP as the No. 2-ranked fantasy closer behind Liam Hendriks.

The New York Mets are eyeing Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader, former Chicago Cubs left-hander Andrew Chafin and free-agent right-hander Collin McHugh. The Mets are looking for both starting and relief pitching now that the MLB lockout is over and free agency has been reopened. Hader would be the big name and could immediately take over the closing duties from Edwin Diaz if the Mets traded for him. The hard-throwing left-hander has been an All-Star in three of his five MLB seasons and had a 1.23 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in only 58 2/3 innings of work over 60 appearances for the Brew Crew in 2021. Hader is RotoBaller's No. 2 fantasy reliever. McHugh has a robust market after looking good again in a relief role for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader had a rough month of July. He kicked off the month with his first blown save of the year and went on to allow six earned runs across 5.2 innings in the month. However, ever since the calendar flipped to August, Hader has been dominant. Since the start of August, Hader has pitched 13.1 scoreless innings, allowing just four total hits while recording 24 strikeouts and converting all 10 of his save opportunities. He is tied for sixth in the majors with 31 saves on the year and he has a stellar 1.39 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Monday against the Giants. Hader allowed a leadoff double to Kris Bryant but retired the next three batters to finish the game. He has not allowed a run in his last 10 appearances and he has seven saves in that stretch. The 27-year-old has a 1.51 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with an incredible 15.3 K/9 in 47 2/3 innings. He is 28-for-29 in save situations, the best save percentage in all of baseball. Hader has been the most consistent closer all season, and he looks like there is still a lot of gas left in the tank heading into fantasy playoffs.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader recorded one out and earned a save over Washington on Sunday. Hader entered a 7-3 game with two outs and two runners on base and managed to escape the jam, forcing Juan Soto to ground into a fielder's choice. The 27-year-old southpaw has converted six straight save opportunities, making him 26-for-27 on the year. He's sporting a 1.61 ERA and a77:16 K: BB through 44 2/3 innings and continues to be dominant against all opponents.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 25th save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Nationals. The southpaw hasn't blown a save since July 7th, and he's converted four saves in six appearances so far in August. On the season, Hader sports a 1.62 ERA and fearsome 77:16 K: BB through 44 1/3 innings. The Hader train keeps on rolling, and in most leagues, Hader should easily finish the season in the top five of all closers this year.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader fired a scoreless ninth inning on one walk while striking out two, recording the save in the win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. Hader entered in the ninth inning with a two-run lead and allowed a one-out walk to Yadier Molina, but retired the other three batters to finish the game. The 27-year-old has a 1.70 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with an elite 15.7 K/9 in 42 1/3 innings. In August, he has four scoreless innings and nine punchouts in four appearances. Hader is showing no signs of slowing down heading into the fantasy playoffs.

Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 2-1 win over Pittsburgh. Milwaukee's closer has made two appearances since returning from the COVID-19 injured list, striking out five while allowing just one hit across two innings. Hader made fast work of the Pirates on Sunday, needing just 12 pitches to close out the contest. The hard-throwing lefty has a 1.74 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 72:14 K: BB, and 23 saves in 24 chances across 41 1/3 innings. He's been a top option the entire season for saves and strikeouts at the end of games and fantasy owners should continue to see opportunities for Hader down the stretch.

Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader (COVID-19) has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He was placed on the IL on August 2 after a positive COVID-19 test. He has been his dominant self on the mound this season, posting a 1.83 ERA, 45.0 K%, and 9.4 BB%, with 22 saves in 23 opportunities. Hader should continue holding down the closer role for the Brewers amid his return. He is a must-start in every fantasy format, providing saves, strong strikeout numbers, and an excellent ERA. In a corresponding move, the Brewers optioned Hoby Milner to Triple-A Nashville.

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader (COVID-19) is expected to be cleared to play in Thursday's series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Hader was placed on the 10-day injured list last week after being one of a handful of Brewers players to test positive for COVID-19. Fantasy managers will no doubt be happy to have the southpaw back in the bullpen since he's posting a 1.83 ERA with 22 saves through 40 games played this season.

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader (COVID-19) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday, the team announced. Hader is the latest member of Milwaukee's clubhouse to test positive for COVID-19 in the past week and will have to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days per the MLB health and safety protocols. The southpaw's absence will be felt in the Brewers bullpen given he's posting a 1.83 ERA and 22 saves through 40 games played this season. Also on Monday, the Brewers added right-handed pitcher John Axford to the active roster. Axford hasn't pitched since 2018, posting a 5.27 ERA that year between stints with the Dodgers and the Blue Jays.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers made two more moves Friday to boost their roster for a playoff push, acquiring relievers John Curtiss from the Miami Marlins and Daniel Norris from the Detroit Tigers. Milwaukee sent minor league catcher Payton Henry to Miami and minor league pitcher Reese Olson to Detroit. Both moves were completed Friday, two days after the Brewers added All-Star third baseman Eduardo Escobar in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Curtiss and Norris boost the depth of a bullpen headed by All-Star closer Josh Hader and 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Devin Williams. “We added to our depth, to our choices and created some insurance for the big innings, the leverage innings there,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “We feel like with the group we have to attack the last two months, we’ll have guys step up. There’s enough good arms there, enough talented arms there that no matter what happens, we’ll be in a good spot.” Curtiss, 28, is 3-1 with a 2.48... [More]

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader allowed two runs on two hits with one strikeout over one inning of work in a 7-3 win over the Pirates on Wednesday. After allowing just two runs over his first 32 2/3 innings, Hader has now surrendered six runs on six hits and two walks over his last 5 2/3 innings of relief. His first three months of work were dominant enough though that his season line now sits at 3-2 with 21 saves, a 1.88 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 65 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings pitched. He should turn things around here soon, and managers should continue to keep him in their lineup.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are returning home with the biggest division lead of any National League team, but it’s their success away from Milwaukee that has helped them build a seven-game cushion. Milwaukee’s weekend sweep at NL Central rival Cincinnati improved the Brewers’ road record to 29-18, the best in the majors. The Brewers begin a five-game homestand Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals. Outfielder Christian Yelich credits the Brewers’ road success to their togetherness. “Everybody really likes each other, picks each other up,” Yelich said. “Just the toughness. Everybody just wants to win, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to get that done.” For whatever reason, those traits have stood out more when they’re away from Milwaukee. The Brewers have been even better on the road than at home, where they’re 27-21. “There’s not an explanation for that,” manager Craig Counsell said. “You just play a good baseball game and that’s what happens. We get into that all... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati start the second half of the season the same way they ended the first — with Nick Castellanos and the Reds hoping to pick up where they left off. After Castellanos and the resurgent Reds won three out of four in Milwaukee last weekend to pull within four games of the NL Central-leading Brewers, the schedule matches them up again for a three-game set in Cincinnati right after the All-Star break. In the last two games the Reds scored go-ahead runs in the ninth inning off All-Star closer Josh Hader. Cincinnati’s spare-parts bullpen has struggled for much of the season but suddenly looked unbeatable. The Reds are sizzling in July, winning nine of 11 since dropping a rain-shortened game to the Padres on June 30. Cincinnati won the series finale with San Diego on July 1, swept the Cubs and took two out of three from Kansas City before besting the Brewers. Eugenio Suarez, hitting just .175, homered to lead off the Reds ninth Saturday night... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, Denverr-replacement; i-inactiveAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesCatchersMike Zunino, Tampa Bay InfieldersMatt Olson, Oakland i-Jose Altuve, Houston Bo Bichette, Toronto Jose Ramirez, Cleveland i-Carlos Correa, Houston Jared Walsh r-Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox r-Whit Merrifield, Kansas City r-Joey Wendle, Tampa Bay Outfieldersi-Mike Trout, L.A. Angels i-Michael Brantley, Houston Joey Gallo, Texas Adolis Garcia, Texas Designated HittersNelson Cruz, Minnesota J.D. Martinez, Boston PitchersStartersShohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels i-Shane Bieber, Cleveland Gerrit Cole, N.Y. Yankees... [More]

Tuesday, July 13At Coors Field, Denverr-replacement; i-inactiveAmerican LeagueManager — Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay StartersCatcher — Salvador Perez, Kansas City First Baseman — Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Second Baseman — Marcus Semien, Toronto Shortstop — Xander Bogaerts, Boston Third Baseman — Rafael Devers, Boston Outfield — Teoscar Hernandez, Toronto Outfield — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees Outfield — Mike Trout, L.A. Angels Designated Hitter — Shohei Ohtani, L.A. Angels ReservesCatchersMike Zunino, Tampa Bay InfieldersMatt Olson, Oakland i-Jose Altuve, Houston Bo Bichette, Toronto Jose Ramirez, Cleveland i-Carlos Correa, Houston Jared Walsh r-Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox r-Whit Merrifield, Kansas City r-Joey Wendle, Tampa Bay Outfieldersi-Michael Brantley, Houston Joey Gallo, Texas Adolis Garcia, Texas Cedric Mullins, Baltimore Designated HittersNelson Cruz, Minnesota J.D. Martinez, Boston PitchersStartersi-Shane Bieber, Cleveland Gerrit Cole, N.Y. Yankees Nathan Eovaldi, Boston Kyle... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a three-run homer to cap a startling six-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning, getting his jersey yanked off in a frenzied celebration and lifting the Houston Astros over the New York Yankees 8-7 on Sunday. The Astros had been shut out by the Yankees the previous two games, highlighted by ace Gerrit Cole’s three-hitter in a 4-0 win on Saturday night. The win came on Altuve replica jersey giveaway at Minute Maid Park — Houston fans left with a No. 27 shirt, while the All-Star second baseman exited without his. New York led 7-2 after a three-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the eighth inning. After the first two Astros reached base against Domingo Germán in the ninth, Chas McCormick hit a two-run double off Chad Green (3-5). Abraham Toro followed with an RBI double to make it 7-5, still with no outs. Pinch-hitter Jason Castro singled and one out later, Altuve launched his soaring shot to left field. Ralph Garza Jr. (1-2) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair a completely torn ACL in his right knee after he was injured during Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. An MRI showed the severity of the injury and the Braves made the announcement shortly before midnight that their three-time All-Star will be out until at least next year. Acuña landed awkwardly on his right leg after jumping on the warning track in right field to try to catch a drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted out an inside-the-park homer. The 23-year-old Acuña did not put any weight on his right leg and had to be helped to a cart before being taken from the field. Freddie Freeman had a two-run homer and an RBI single, while Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley ripped doubles as the first three Braves reached base off All-Star pitcher... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair a completely torn ACL in his right knee after he was injured during Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. An MRI showed the severity of the injury and the Braves made the announcement shortly before midnight that their three-time All-Star will be out until at least next year. Acuña landed awkwardly on his right leg after jumping on the warning track in right field to try to catch a drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted out an inside-the-park homer. The 23-year-old Acuña did not put any weight on his right leg and had to be helped to a cart before being taken from the field. Freddie Freeman had a two-run homer and an RBI single, while Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley ripped doubles as the first three Braves reached base off All-Star pitcher... [More]