Fansided

This 1 problem could sink the Brewers’ playoff chances

By Scott Rogust

Jun 8, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks over a lineup card in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks over a lineup card in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Milwaukee Brewers plan on making the postseason, they better hope that this player in particular breaks out of their recent slump.

The Milwaukee Brewers have made it to the postseason in each of the past four seasons, and this year could be a difficult one for them. They hold a 50-41 record as of July 16 and are just 1.5 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.

For the Brewers to make it to fall baseball for the fifth year in a row, they better hope that one player in particular breaks out of their mini-slump. That player is none other than reliever Josh Hader.

If Josh Hader’s struggles continues, it could hurt Brewers postseason chances

Throughout his tenure with the Brewers, Hader has proven to be one of the game’s top closers. Last year, he carried a 1.23 ERA through 33 games. He looked to be on pace to having another sub-2.00 ERA campaign in 2022. In fact, he had a 1.82 ERA following Milwaukee’s 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on July 12.

But then, his next two appearances happened.

On July 13, Hader entered in the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied 1-1. He did not record a single out in this showing, as he walked Jorge Polanco in seven pitches, surrendered a single to Max Kepler before allowing a walk-off three-run homer to Jose Miranda.

Certainly things would get better for Hader in his next outing, right? Well, you may want to take a seat, as his performance on July 15 against the San Francisco Giants was anything but great.

Hader entered to close out a potential 5-2 victory for the Brewers. He instead surrendered six runs in the innings, all of which coming on three home runs. He allowed two solo homers to Joey Bart and Darin Ruf before surrendering a walk-off grand slam to Mike Yastrzemski, giving the Giants a 8-5 win.

Two assessed losses in his last two appearances. Not ideal.

Luckily for Hader, there is still a ton of games left in the season. But, if it becomes a recurring theme, the Brewers might have to worry.

Next. John Mulaney tries, fails to inspire Cubs in seventh-inning stretch. dark

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