San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader sets playoff record

San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader has put all of the questions about his effectiveness to rest.

He had struggled before the trade deadline, but that was something that had been seen before as trade rumors swirled in 2021. Then he struggled after being sent to San Diego, something else that had to be expected as he needed to find a comfort level in his new surroundings and with his family situation.

Josh Hader back to dominant form for San Diego Padres

Those struggles are all behind him now. Hader turned it on over the final few weeks of the regular season, becoming the ninth inning weapon that the Padres had hoped for. He has reached another level of dominance in the playoffs as he became the first pitcher in postseason history to strike out eight consecutive batters.

Hader has been understandably dominant in the playoffs. He has allowed just one hit and a walk over his 6.1 shutout innings, striking out 13 batters. In doing so, Hader is serving notice that not only is he back, but he is also ready to be the force of nature he had been in the past.

That could be the difference in the NLCS. The Phillies’ bullpen has struggled at times and has continued to be a weak spot for years. Hader, meanwhile, shored up what had been a weak point in San Diego as well, with the Padres trusting his history as he worked to get back on track.

It is all paying off now. Hader is back to his accustomed level of performance, shutting down the opposition with ease. At a time when literally every game and every out are magnified in importance, having that type of weapon for the ninth inning, or potentially earlier, can be the difference between advancing and going home.

Josh Hader has set a playoff record for consecutive strikeouts. His dominance could make the difference for the San Diego Padres in the postseason.