Hader threw 1.1 scoreless innings and struck out four batters in Monday's victory over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hader walked the first batter he faced Monday, but he was unhittable after that, striking out the next three batters in the seventh inning and the first of the eighth. It does not appear Hader will see save opportunities while Corey Knebel (hamstring) is sidelined -- manager Craig Counsell said as much last week -- but he is still providing fantasy value in other areas, allowing just four runners to reach base over 6.1 innings (0.63 WHIP) while punching out 14 batters -- good for an eye-popping 19.9 K/9.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that he prefers to keep Hader in a multi-inning role, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team will share closer duties with Corey Knebel out with a hamstring injury, but the skipper seemed to suggest that Hader is not going to be a big part of that mix. Counsell mentioned Matt Albers, Jacob Barnes, Jeremy Jeffress and Dan Jennings as options for the ninth, while Hader's role will remain flexible -- he entered in the fourth inning Friday. Regardless, Hader is probably the best arm in the bullpen and should be owned in most leagues for what he can do in the ratio categories.

Hader could be in line for some saves as the Brewers employ a closer committee while Corey Knebel (hamstring) is on the disabled list, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel will be out for at least six weeks, and there's no obvious candidate to take over for him in the Brewers' bullpen. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that the team will use a committee, though he didn't specify who would be a part of it. Hader's electric stuff has led him to a 37.7 percent strikeout rate and a 1.95 ERA in his short major-league career -- definitely prototypical closer numbers. The Brewers may prefer to keep him in a high-leverage stopper role, though, as he's excelled there so far.

Hader is a candidate to close in Corey Knebel's absence, but manager Craig Counsell has yet to decide on a replacement closer, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Knebel suffered a hamstring injury that will require a DL stint, which leaves the ninth inning open for the Brewers until at least mid-to-late April. Hader, who brings a mid-90s fastball from the left side, has been untouchable in his three innings this season, notching seven strikeouts and allowing just two baserunners and no earned runs. The Brewers have other candidates with more experience, however, including Jacob Barnes and Jeremy Jeffress. Counsell's plan for the ninth inning should come into focus over the next few games, but Hader would seemingly be in the mix for save opportunities.

Hader has thrown 8.1 scoreless innings over seven spring appearances while posting a 0.72 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB.

EDGE Analysis

Hader routinely dominated big-league hitters last year as a rookie, and that has carried over to Cactus League play, where opposing hitters have mustered just four hits and a .138 batting average against Hader. He posted a superb 12.8 K/9 a year ago over 47.2 MLB innings and finished with 68 strikeouts despite not debuting until June 10, so it's not hard to envision him topping 100 punchouts in 2018 with a full season at the top level. He will begin the year as the top left-handed option in the Brewers' bullpen, and despite being a southpaw and lacking ninth-inning experience, would be in the mix for saves should incumbent closer Corey Knebel cede the role for any reason.

Hader has struck out four batters and allowed zero runs through three innings this spring.

EDGE Analysis

In three separate one-inning appearances, Hader has been lights out, striking out four of the nine batters he has faced while allowing zero hits. He will begin the year out of the bullpen in a setup role in front of closer Corey Knebel, and will look to build off of his 2.08 ERA and 68 strikeouts from 2017.

General Manager David Stearns expects to use Hader out of the bullpen to begin the season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hader was stellar out of the bullpen last season, striking out 68 batters across 47.2 innings and accruing a 2.08 ERA for Milwaukee. Stearns has since announced that the 23-year-old left-hander will be in a bullpen role, although that could change. The Brewers are in pursuit of a starting pitcher, so if they pull the trigger on a trade before spring training begins, that could solidify Hader's role in the bullpen for the time being.

GM David Stearns said Friday that the Brewers are still evaluating whether to use Hader as a starter or reliever in 2018, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

One thing Stearns is confident about is that Hader "is going to be put in a position to accumulate innings," whether that be as a starter or a multi-inning reliever, which is no surprise given Hader's arm talent. While the Brewers will be looking to maximize Hader's innings, and he was a highly-regarded starting pitcher prospect just an offseason ago, he did throw only 99.2 total innings in 2017 across all levels, so he would inevitably wind up in the bullpen at some point even if he heads into the season as a starter. With that in mind, the Brewers must weigh if it's worth even trying Hader in the rotation, especially when considering just how dominant (12.84 K/9, .156 BAA) he was working in relief last year. With Hader facing a theoretical innings limit as a starter and not in the mix for saves as a reliever, he will likely be only a fringe option in standard league formats. However, even as a full-time reliever he will stand a good chance to hit 100 strikeouts while providing quality ratios, so he can still provide some sort of value in any role for fantasy owners and the Brewers alike.

Hader threw 1.2 scoreless innings in Monday's victory over the Pirates and allowed just one hit while striking out three batters.

EDGE Analysis

Hader allowed four earned runs over four appearances around the turn of this month, but he turned things around quickly, allowing just Monday's hit and one walk while striking out 13 batters in 7.1 innings over his last five outings. The Brewers will continue leaning on him as the top left-handed option in their bullpen as they push for the playoffs.

Hader threw a scoreless inning in Monday's loss to the Twins despite allowing a hit and issuing three walks.

EDGE Analysis

Hader was not sharp Monday and now owns 17 walks in 22.1 innings out of the Brewers' bullpen this season, but even in a subpar outing he was able to keep the opponent off the scoreboard. Hader, who does have 27 strikeouts and has given up just 10 hits, will continue working in a multi-situation relief role for the time being.