Yesterday, it was no surprise when Craig Counsell told the media that Josh Hader would be the closer. We all assumed that sort of thing. Hader went into that role a few years ago to bolster his arbitration case, and he hasn’t left ever since. Milwaukee has likely their best bullpen since the 2018 season. The idea of Devin Williams in the eighth and Hader in the ninth is filthy. But the one thing that I’m curious about is will Josh Hader have the rules around him like we’ve seen or will those start to come off? A case could be made for both.

The case to keep it the same is it worked the last few years, why screw it up? Let’s throw out 2020 in general (A theme of many baseball pieces you’ll see). The plan was pretty simple. Hader could pitch back-to-back days, but if there were a third straight day where he was needed, Milwaukee almost would never use him. There were certain situations where Hader might go in, but they were few and far between. If that did happen, he would be down for several days after it.

The case against it is that Hader developed as a baseball player. He is farther along in his career and knows how to take care of his body. This means that Hader could be ready for more than just a back-to-back day and extend himself into that third day. The call here is by two people, Brewers manager Craig Counsell and Hader. If Counsell thinks he can go three straight days, you’ll see more of that. There aren’t many situations where the Brewers need their closer threes straight, but you would like to know if it’s on the table

It is very important for Hader and the Brewers that the young closer stays healthy. That’s the ultimate goal. If the way to achieve that is only back-to-back appearances then so be it.

Charlie.