The Milwaukee Brewerst are at the top of the NL Central standings with a solid 57-45 record.
A big reason behind their first-half success has been their bullpen depth.
They just traded Josh Hader, their star closer, but their bullpen won’t suffer much because of the number of solid alternatives to take over as the ninth-inning guy.
“With Hader on his way to San Diego, the Brewers can either use Taylor Rogers or Devin Williams in the closer’s role. Williams has a 1.59 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 39.2 IP this season, while Rogers is second in the Majors with 28 saves (Hader has 29),” MLB’s Mark Feinsand tweeted.
With Hader on his way to San Diego, the Brewers can either use Taylor Rogers or Devin Williams in the closer’s role. Williams has a 1.59 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 39.2 IP this season, while Rogers is second in the Majors with 28 saves (Hader has 29).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 1, 2022
The most logical approach for the Brewers would be using Devin Williams as the closer and the newly acquired Taylor Rogers as a set-up man.
However, both men are capable of filling both roles: Williams is actually one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, with a truly devastating changeup and a solid fastball.
Williams Is More Flashy, Rogers Has More Closing Experience
Rogers, however, has more experience in the closer role, having been “the” guy in Minnesota and San Diego.
The Brewers, however, have more options.
Brad Boxberger, Hoby Milner, Brent Suter, and Trevor Gott have also posted excellent numbers this season, in addition to Williams and what Rogers did with the San Diego Padres.
In fact, there is an argument to be made that Milwaukee can move on without Hader and not suffer in his absence that much.
It’s obviously a blow, but it probably isn’t the end of the world for the Brewers.
They can probably still contend with Rogers and their current relief crew.
It’s a matter of proving it on the field.
