Milwaukee Brewers: Josh Hader opening up eyes

It has only been four appearances in the Majors for the number one left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Josh Hader.  The Milwaukee Brewers phenom southpaw has really started to settle into his role out of the bullpen.

Prior to getting the call from Triple-A Colorado Springs, Josh Hader’s future looked a little blurry. Some fans were wondering if he would make it to Miller Park this season.

His numbers in the hitter-friendly Colorado Springs of a 5.37 ERA, 3-4 record, 51 strikeouts and 31 walks in 52 innings pitched didn’t warrant a definitive call-up. However, the lackluster performance in the Brewers bullpen gave Hader a shot. So far he has taken advantage of his opportunity.

In 5 1/3 innings pitched at the highest level, Hader has managed to hold hitters to a batting average of .000.  Yes, he has yet to give up a hit.  He has struck out three batters and walked five. He has faced a total of 20 hitters.

It is a minuscule sample size, but he could be in line for a start if he continues to succeed.

The Brewers still see Hader as a starting pitcher in the future. The hopes for him in the organization are very high. He should develop into a front of the rotation arm. With the way Hader has thrown lately, he could go in that direction sooner rather than later.

With the starting rotation struggling at times with guys not named Jimmy Nelson and Chase Anderson, Hader could get a chance to start in the next couple of weeks.

If he does earn a start and thrives, the Brewers will continue with the bullpen experiment…at least for the remainder of this season.

Keep in mind that Brandon Woodruff is on the Major League disabled list and will most likely get a turn of his own when he is activated.

Next: Does The Brewers Bullpen Need A Bartender?

This scenario could delay the inevitable spot start of Hader.  It will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of weeks. Don’t be surprised to see a few new additions to the rotation by the end of July. Either Hader and Woodruff could get an opportunity, or there could be another addition from the farm system arriving.