Hader struck out four across two perfect innings to pick up the save in Thursday's season opener against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hader faced the minimum through two innings and managed to survive a scare with the help of Lorenzo Cain, who robbed what would've been a game-tying home run for the final out of the ballgame. Hader picked up right where he left off last season in the strikeout department and figures to see plenty of save opportunities with Corey Knebel (elbow) out of commission for the foreseeable future.

Hader threw a perfect fourth inning in the Brewers' 10-5 exhibition-game victory over the Blue Jays on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Hader made his final appearance of the spring Monday, and he finished his dominant exhibition season giving up just one earned run over 7.1 innings (1.23 ERA) while posting a 13:3 K:BB and 0.80 WHIP. Hader figures to head into the regular season as the Brewers' best option for saves with fellow All-Stars Corey Knebel (elbow) and Jeremy Jeffress (shoulder) expected to land on the injured list. However, manager Craig Counsell showed last year he prefers using Hader in multiple spots and not just in save situations, so he may not be the only ninth-inning option in the absence of Knebel and Jeffress. Next in line behind Hader for saves, at least based on the bullpen usage in Monday's contest -- a game the Brewers led 6-4 entering the bottom of the seventh inning -- appears to be Taylor Williams.

Hader threw a scoreless inning in relief in Wednesday's spring game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Hader struggled a bit in his previous two appearances, but he was able to right the ship Wednesday, allowing only one runner on base (via a walk) and striking out another. Hader looks ready for the regular season, allowing just five runners to reach base this spring (0.79 WHIP) and striking out 13 batters over 6.1 innings, and there's a chance he could be more involved in the save mix than expected early on with fellow relievers Corey Knebel and Jeremy Jeffress both dealing with arm issues.

Hader struck out three batters across a perfect inning Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Hader already appears to be in midseason form, as the electric southpaw has now fanned all six batters he has faced this spring. He compiled a 2.43 ERA and 143 strikeouts across 81.1 innings last season and should reprise his role as a high-leverage reliever for the Brewers in 2019.

Hader struck out three batters in a perfect inning Sunday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Hader looked to be in mid-season form and hit 98 on the radar gun in his first outing of spring training, per Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He appears on track to have another spectacular season out of the bullpen after posting a 2.43 ERA with 143 punchouts over 81.1 frames in 2018.

General manager David Stearns said Hader is expected to pitch out of the bullpen in 2019, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hader was touted as one of the top left-handed starting pitching prospects entering the 2017 season, but his success out of the bullpen over the past two seasons has prompted the Brewers to commit to keeping him in a multi-inning, high-leverage relief role for at least another season. The electric southpaw can still provide plenty of fantasy value as a reliever, as evidenced by his 6-1 record, 12 saves, 2.43 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 15.8 K/9 across 81.1 innings in 2018.

Hader was tagged for three earned runs over one inning out of the bullpen in Monday's victory over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hader was not on top of his game Monday, giving up two home runs, another hit, and two walks, but the Brewers were still able to overcome his rare struggles. Hader has allowed multiple runs three times over a nine-appearance stretch, and he now owns a 2.31 ERA, the highest it has been since April 11. He has still recorded 25 strikeouts while posting a 0.91 WHIP this month, though, so he has been plenty valuable for fantasy players.

Hader pitched the eighth inning of Wednesday's victory over the Cubs and picked up his sixth win of the season.

EDGE Analysis

The Brewers never trailed in Wednesday's game, but starter Chase Anderson only went four innings, and the official scorer -- as is his discretion -- decided to award the victory to Hader rather than Corey Knebel, who finished the fifth inning and also picked the sixth frame. Not surprisingly, Hader recorded all three of his outs Wednesday via the punchout, and he now has 17 strikeouts in just 7.2 innings this month.

Hader pitched two perfect innings and struck out six batters in Monday's victory over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Hader was on top of his game Monday, reaching 97 with his fastball and breezing through the top of the Cubs' order with ease. He is now up to a whopping 127 punchouts on the season -- 14 which came over his last three appearances.

Hader tossed a perfect 10th inning and notched the save Thursday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Hader managed to bounce back after a disastrous outing Wednesday, surrendering four runs while recording just two outs in his previous appearance. He'll continue to be used as one of Milwaukee's high-leverage relievers down the stretch of the season, and he owns a 2.01 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with 113 strikeouts through 67 innings.