Phillies vs Brewers: Five players to watch for in the series

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 19: Josh Hader #71 and Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate defeating the against the Minnesota Twins 5-4 after the interleague game on May 19, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 23: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the sixth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-3. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

1. team. 76. . . . Josh Hader

Not often is the closer considered one of the players to watch for in a series, but Josh Hader has been lights out for Milwaukee. Traded twice already in his career the 24-year-old has a 1.05 ERA in 20 games with 69 strikeouts to 13 walks. He’s been nothing but spectacular in his last eight appearances allowing zero runs with 26 strikeouts.

Most importantly, the Brewers have not lost a game this year when Hader makes an appearance. Essentially, if Hader enters the game, the Brewers are 20-0. Of Hader’s 20 appearances he’s pitched more than an inning 17 times and at least two innings 12 times.

In three appearances versus Philadelphia Hader has allowed zero runs with four strikeouts and has allowed just two hits in Citizens Bank Park in 11 plate appearances by Phillies hitters.

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Consistent dominance from Hader is the reason he’s one of the top young relievers in the league, and a player to watch this weekend.