Milwaukee Brewers: Josh Hader’s quiet record-setting dominance
By Manny Gómez
Quietly, Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers set a new MLB record this week.
After two consecutive postseason appearances, this season the Milwaukee Brewers are two games under .500 and unexciting. Thankfully, Brewer fans have been given a reason to continue watching MLB games as Josh Hader continues his dominance on the mound.
On Wednesday, the 26-year-old southpaw delivered a perfect 13-pitch inning against the Detroit Tigers, striking out one batter in the process. It was his 12th no-hit appearance (out of 12) of the shortened 2020 season, a new MLB record for most consecutive hitless outings to begin a season.
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Now, I’d be lying if I were to say that each and every one of Hader’s outings have been as dominant as he was on Wednesday. Just two appearances prior, Hader walked five batters in just a 1/3 of an inning, resulting in his only 2 ER of the season.
Including this appearance, Hader’s stat-sheet reads as follows: 11.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, and a 0.857 WHIP. Remove that appearance from his slate and you get…
11.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, and a 0.450 WHIP
Last season and then again at the MLB deadline this season, Hader was involved in trade rumors. However, considering that the Milwaukee Brewers remain a 1/2 game out of the 8-seed in the NL playoff picture, the Brew Crew decided to keep their young stud for a chance at a playoff run.
Hader is currently under control through the 2023 season. He was set to make $4.1 M for the 2020 season before the pandemic reduced his salary to $1.5M. He will be eligible for a salary increase ahead of the 2021 season.
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Josh Hader hasn’t appeared in a game since his perfect inning against the Tigers. Look for him to continue his hitless streak this weekend as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the first place, 3-seed in the AL Cleveland Indians this weekend.