Brewers vs. Dodgers NL Wild Card Series Preview

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 20: Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on against the Minnesota Twins on August 20, 2020 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 20: Manager Craig Counsell #30 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on against the Minnesota Twins on August 20, 2020 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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The Bullpens

This is the facet of the game where Milwaukee might have the advantage. Josh Hader has been, well, Josh Hader. He has 31 strikeouts in 21 appearances, 13 saves, and has developed his slider for a perfect complement to his overpowering fastball.

On the other hand, Devin Williams has a case to win both the NL Reliever of the Year award as well as the NL Rookie of the Year award. He’s been spectacular. He has a 0.33 ERA and his changeup has become perhaps the most unhittable pitches in all of baseball.

Also, keep an eye on Justin Topa and Drew Rasmussen, two young Brewers arms who have shown near-triple digit velocity on their fastballs, and have earned the trust of Craig Counsell to pitch in some relatively high-leverage scenarios.

Here is a clip of a two-pitch sequence from Justin Topa on Sunday:

The Dodgers also have a stout bullpen, led by perennial all-star closer Kenley Jansen. His cut-fastball has been his go-to pitch his whole career and despite a recent dip in velocity, he is still capable of domination with that pitch as his calling card. He has a 3.33 ERA with 11 saves in 27 games this year.

Watch for flamethrower Brusdar Graterol, as well as Blake Treinen to see plenty of action out of the Dodgers bullpen as well.

Schedule