Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart

Closer1st in line2nd in line2025 CloserUpdated
MILDevin WilliamsTrevor MegillJoel PayampsDevin Williams9/27/24
(IL)Bryse Wilson

*= closer-by-committee

Previous updates:

Milwaukee Brewers – Tough decisions await the Brewers this winter. Devin Williams will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season. Fantasy player recall past situations where this franchise trades players at their peak ahead of free agency. Will this happen once again? “The Airbender,” was terrific after missing the first four months of the season but converted 14 of 15 save chances while being scoreless in 20 of his 22 regular season appearances, recording 38 strikeouts against 11 walks. Those in keeper leagues should track Craig Yoho‘s progress this spring closely. 

September 27, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Pressed into action at the top of the eighth, Trevor Megill stranded two runners and remained in for the ninth. He finished 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up a lead-off Francisco Lindor single in the ninth and recorded one strikeout for his 21st save, finishing a four-run win over the Mets. Megill threw 14 pitches (92.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). This marked his first save since July 23, and he’s been scoreless in his last four.

  • Hoby Milner allowed two hits, two runs (one earned), and struck out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Joe Ross collected his third win, tossing three scoreless frames, scattering two hits, and walking one while striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 26, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Sealing a three-run win over Pittsburgh, Devin Williams navigated around a one-out Nick Gonzalez double with a strikeout and a game-ending flyout for his 14th save. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted nine straight save chances and been scoreless over his last 12 appearances with 21 strikeouts against six walks.

  • Jared Koening notched his tenth hold, walking one during a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
  • Joel Payamps retired his only batter in the seventh, securing his 20th hold.
  • Nick Mears allowed a walk and a two-run home run by Bryan De La Cruz in two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 22, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Capping an improbable comeback from an eight-run deficit, Devin Williams navigated around a lead-off walk for a scoreless ninth while recording two strikeouts for his 13th save. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last 11 appearances since August 28, converting eight saves and recording 21 strikeouts against five walks.

  • Jared Koenig gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk but collected his ninth win.
  • Joel Payamps allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless seventh.
  • DL Hall logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out three.
  • Aaron Ashby tossed 1.1 scoreless, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out four.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 18, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – With the score tied at the top of the ninth, Devin Williams retired the Phillies’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket in order by striking out the side. He collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (36.8 SwStr%). This extended his scoreless streak to ten games since August 28, during which he’s converted seven saves with 19 strikeouts versus four walks.

  • Trevor Megill gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
  • Jared Koenig logged 1.1 clean frames while striking out two.
  • Joe Ross gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds scoreless in the sixth. 

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 16, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Summoned with two runners on and one out in the seventh, Colin Rea gave up an RBI single by Kyle Schwarber, scoring an inherited runner but no further damage. Rea remained in the game, providing his teammates much-needed rest, and logged 2.2 scoreless innings, yielding three hits and striking out one for his first career save. He threw 29 pitches (23 strikes – 79.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (17.2 SwStr%).

  • Hoby Milner was credited with his fifth hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and striking out one over 1.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 15, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Returning for the tenth with a two-run lead, Jared Koenig did not record an out, allowing a lead-off RBI single, Ketel Marte’s single, and Corbin Carroll’s single, loading the bases. After hitting Christian Walker with a pitch, scoring the game-tying run, Koenig allowed a walk-off hit by Eugenio Suarez, resulting in his fourth loss. Koenig did retire the side in the ninth.

  • Devin Williams was warming for the tenth, then sat down. He threw again but was not summoned and sat frustrated in the bullpen.
  • Trevor Megill was tagged with his third blown save, giving up a walk and an earned run in the bottom of the eighth.
  • Joel Payamps stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the seventh for his second hold.
  • Aaron Ashby was credited with his second hold despite yielding four hits and two earned runs with a strikeout over 1.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 13, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Preserving a one-run win and securing his 12th save, Devin Williams tossed a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against Arizona’s 6-7-8 hitters. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s appeared three times in the previous four days, recording a save in each. He also extended his scoreless streak to nine games, posting 16 strikeouts versus four walks and converting all seven save opportunities.

  • Trevor Megill issued a walk and notched his sixth hold with a scoreless eighth, facing the top of the lineup.
  • Jared Koenig retired the side and struck out one for his ninth hold.
  • Joel Payamps worked a clean sixth while striking out two for his 18th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 12, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Hanging on for his 11th save, Devin Williams navigated around consecutive one-out hits, putting runners on second and third, recording a strikeout and a game-ending groundout, completing a combined shutout in San Francisco. He threw 18 pitches (88.9 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (27.8 Strike%) while striking out two. He’s converted his last six save opportunities and been scoreless over his last eight appearances, with 15 strikeouts against four walks and a 0.88 WHIP.

  • Trevor Megill fired a clean eighth while striking out the side for his fifth hold.
  • Aaron Ashby allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh, securing his first hold.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 10, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Hanging on for his tenth save, Devin Williams navigated around Heliot Ramos’ lead-off single and a two-out walk with a game-ending strikeout, sealing the one-run win over the Giants. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in his last seven appearances and converted all five save chances with 13 strikeouts against four walks since August 28.

  • Trevor Megill retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the bottom of the eighth for his fourth hold.
  • DL Hall logged 1.2 scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out one for his first hold. 

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 7, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Nailing down his ninth save, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out the side against the Rockies. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (63.6 SwStr%) in a dominating performance. He’s logged three consecutive clean appearances this month with seven strikeouts (77.8 Strike%).

  • Jared Koenig allowed two hits and an earned run on Sam Hilliard’s solo home run while recording two strikeotus over his two innings.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 4, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over at the top of the tenth with two runners on and two outs, Hoby Milner let one score on Luken Baker’s RBI single and recorded an inning-ending strikeout.

  • Joel Payamps gets tagged with his seventh loss. He allowed an unearned run and walked one during his two-thirds of the tenth.
  • Devin Williams fired a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts on 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last five games, recording eight strikeouts versus three walks while converting all three save chances.
  • DL Hall logged four scoreless frames, issuing two walks and striking out six.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

September 3, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Entering at the top of the 12th, Elvis Peguero suffered his fourth loss. He gave up a hit, three runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out two.

  • Jared Koenig allowed Paul Goldschmidt’s RBI single, scoring the “place” runner, and struck out one in the 11th.
  • Joel Payamps worked around a walk for a scoreless tenth.
  • Devin Williams fired a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts on an efficient 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) with four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).
  • Trevor Megill worked a clean eighth.
  • Aaron Ashby logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

August 31, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Another high-volume outing for Devin Williams, but he escaped with his eighth save, preserving a one-run win in Cincinnati, though Jake Bauers made a tremendous play ending the game. Williams issued a one-out walk, another walk with two outs, and hit TJ Friedl with a pitch, loading the bases before inducing the game-ending groundout. He threw 32 pitches (18 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine, converting eight of nine save chances with 15 strikeotus versus seven walks across 8.2 innings.

  • Aaron Ashby collected his first win, logging two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three. Since his activation, he’s worked six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts against one walk.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

August 30, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Securing his seventh save, Devin Williams preserved a one-run lead while stranding the “place” runner during an extra-inning win in Cincinnati during Game 1. Entering against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket, he recorded a strikeout and a flyout before the wild pitch moved the runner to third, followed by TJ Freidl’s walk and Ty France’s game-ending flyout. Williams threw 25 pitches (54 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted seven of eight save chances since August 10 with 13 strikeouts against four walks in his last 7.2 innings.

  • Trevor Megill collected his first win. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless ninth.
  • Jared Koenig navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth.
  • Joel Payamps worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two. 

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

August 28, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Shutting the door on his sixth save, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out one, finishing a two-run win over the Giants. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%) facing the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven and converted six of seven save chances.

  • Joel Payamps stranded a runner and retired his only batter via strikeout for his 17th hold in the eighth.
  • Jared Koenig gave up three hits and two earned runs while striking out two in the eighth.
  • Trevor Megill allowed two hits and an earned run in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Trevor Megill

August 21, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Remaining in a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Trevor Megill suffered his third loss. He allowed two walks (one intentional) and four runs (three earned) on Nolan Arenado’s walk-off grand slam. Megill recorded the last out in the ninth on an inning-ending groundout by Masyn Winn, stranding the bases loaded.

  • Devin Williams struggled with his command in the top of the ninth, resulting in his first blown save. His outing began with a hit batter (Willson Contreras), followed by a double, a strikeout, and a walk, loading the bases. After striking out Paul Goldschmidt, Williams issued consecutive RBI walks, scoring the game-tying runs before inducing an inning-ending groundout. He threw 31 pitches (12 strikes – 38.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (12.9 SwStr%). Representing his ninth outing of the season, he may be going through a “dead arm” phase.
  • Joel Payamps navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one for a scoreless eighth during his 15th hold.
  • Bryan Hudson also incurred a blown save, his third, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and striking out one in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Jared Koenig

August 20, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Working into and out of trouble, Devin Williams recorded his fifth save, preserving a one-run win in St. Louis. He gave up a one-out single, followed by Nolan Arenado’s double, and intentionally walked Lars Nootbar before producing consecutive strikeouts. Williams threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (29.4 SwStr%) while recording all three outs via strikeout.

  • Jared Koenig stranded a runner and retired his only batter on a strikeout in the eighth for his seventh hold.
  • Nick Mears allowed three hits and two earned runs over two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his 13th hold. 

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Jared Koenig

August 18, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Capping a combined shutout, Jared Koenig notched his first career save with a clean ninth. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) without a whiff against Cleveland’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He’s the 11th different pitcher with a save for the Brewers this season.

  • Bryan Hudson fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 13th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Jared Koenig

August 17, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Shutting the door on his fourth save, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth against the Guardians’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He threw 10 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted a save in his last four outings, recording six strikeouts while retiring all 12 batters.

  • Jared Koenig secured his sixth hold with a clean eighth and struck out the side.
  • Joel Payamps worked a clean seventh and recorded a strikeout for his 14th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

August 16, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Filling in capably during his closer’s day off, Joel Payamps nailed down his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the Guardians’ 8-9-1 hitters.

  • Nick Mears notched his 12th hold, striking out both batters in the eighth.
  • Bryse Wilson gave up three hits, including two home runs and three earned runs, during one-third of the eighth.
  • Elvis Peguero worked a scoreless seventh, issuing a walk and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

August 15, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Making his first appearance on consecutive days, Devin Williams shut the door on his third save with a clean ninth and striking out two. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s recorded a save in three straight games and been scoreless in five of six with 11 strikeouts of 22 batters faced.

  • Bryan Hudson collected his fifth win. He logged two clean frames, recorded two strikeouts, and stranded a runner in the seventh.
  • Elvis Peguero let one of two inherited runners score, yielding two hits and retiring one batter between the sixth and seventh innings.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

August 14, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Matched up with the top of the Dodger’s lineup with a one-run lead, Devin Williams turned in a dominant performance, retiring the side and recording a strikeout for his second save. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in four out of five games this season, with nine strikeouts versus one walk.

  • Joel Payamps collected his third win, retiring all four batters. He also stranded two runners in the seventh, keeping the game tied before a go-ahead rally in the bottom of the inning.
  • Jared Koenig suffered his second blown save, giving up three hits and an earned run while recording both outs via strikeout in the seventh.
  • Nick Mears worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his 11th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

August 10, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Summoned with a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth, Devin Williams nailed down his first save of the season and first since September 27 last year, striking out the side. He threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s recorded three strikeouts in consecutive outings. His last hurdle will be pitching on consecutive days.

  • Joel Payamps stranded a runner and retired both batters in the eighth. He collected his second win due to Rhys Hoskins’ go-ahead home run in the bottom of the inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

July 29, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over in the top of the sixth with a runner on and one out, Hoby Milner allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout while stranding the inherited runner. He collected his fourth win courtesy of a go-ahead Willy Adames home run in the bottom of the inning.

  • Elvis Peguero retired the side in the seventh for his 11th hold.
  • Nick Mears made his team debut, firing a clean eighth against Atlanta’s 9-1-2 lineup pocket and recording two strikeouts on 10 pitches (70 Strike%) with one whiff.
  • Bryse Wilson closed out the win in a non-save outing, allowing a Sean Murphy solo home run during an eventual five-run win.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Nick Mears

July 28, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Appearing for the first time this season, Devin Williams navigated around a two-out infield single and a walk with a game-ending groundout by Josh Bell. He threw 24 pitches (13 strikes – 54.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

  • Hoby Milner retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the eighth.
  • Joel Payamps gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the seventh.
  • Jakob Junis collected his fourth win. He tossed two scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero

July 27, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Announced by Jeff Passan, Milwaukee traded two pitching prospects to Colorado for Nick Mears. He’s been scoreless in five of his last six appearances with 10 strikeouts against one walk and a 0.60 WHIP through 6.2 innings. This may not move the needle from a fantasy perspective, but this could be a sneaky good deal for depth with strikeout upside moving forward. 

Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill, Elvis Peguero, Jared Koenig

July 24, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Recording his fifth save, and first since April 24, Joel Payamps fired a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Cubs. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). He’s on a five-game scoreless streak.

  • Jakob Junis collected his third win. He logged three scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one, benefiting from his team’s rally in the top of the ninth.
  • Bryse Wilson worked four innings, giving up Seiya Suzuki’s solo home run and recording three strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 23, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Navigating around a lead-off single, Trevor Megill retired the next three hitters for a scoreless ninth, preserving a shutout during his 20th save. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted three of four save opportunities in July and been scoreless in five of seven appearances.

  • Jared Koenig worked around two hits and a walk for a scoreless eighth, hanging on for his fight hold.
  • Elvis Peguero collected his sixth win, tossing a clean seventh and striking out one.
  • Bryan Hudson worked a clean sixth, recording one strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 21, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Surviving a ninth-inning rally, Trevor Megill recorded his 19th save. He allowed a Byron Buxton lead-off home run, followed by Max Kepler’s double. After a flyout and an RBI fielder’s choice groundout, he recorded a game-ending strikeout against Matt Wallner. Megill threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff in his outing. He’s converted 18 of 20 save opportunities but has allowed multiple runs in two of his last three games.

  • Elvis Peguero navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth, notching his tenth hold.
  • Jared Koenig collected his eighth win, tossing a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 20, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite suffering his first blown save in the 11th, giving up a game-tying Carlos Santana two-run home run, Jakob Junis was credited with his second win courtesy of a five-run rally in the top of the 12th. Junis logged two innings, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out one.

  • Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless tenth, issuing Byron Buxton an intentional walk and striking out one. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff.
  • Joel Payamps worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
  • Devin Williams had his rehab transferred to Triple-A Nashville, but Saturday’s game was postponed, cancelling his scheduled appearance. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 18, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – It’s been a terrific run, but those who have Trevor Megill on their roster should be planning on potential replacements ahead of the trade deadline. He may record ancillary saves once Devin Williams returns, but he will slot into the eighth inning, making this good bullpen even better.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 13, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Summoned with two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Trevor Megill quelled the threat with an inning-ending strikeout. However, in the ninth, he allowed a lead-off single by Luis García Jr., recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, and gave up CJ Abrams’ go-ahead, two-run home run, resulting in his second loss and a second blown save. This snapped Megill’s 10-game scoreless streak and his save streak at 12.

  • Elvis Peguero notched his ninth hold, allowing two walks and striking out one over 1.1 innings.
  • Jakob Junis logged 3.1 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

July 7, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Making a non-save appearance, Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, closing a seven-run win over the Dodgers. He allowed a two-out single by James Outman and recorded all three outs via strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He owns a 10-game scoreless streak and converted all six save chances with 10 strikeouts against one walk in his last 9.1 innings.

  • Elvis Peguero fired a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out the side.
  • Jakob Junis collected his first win, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out three over 2.2 innings as the “bulk follower.”
  • Devin Williams will throw a live bullpen session on Tuesday and could head out on rehab assignment after he’s cleared. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

July 6, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers Appearing on consecutive days for the first time since April, Bryan Hudson suffered his first loss after entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth. He gave up two solo home runs and only recorded one out before being lifted.

  • Rob Zastryzny allowed a walk and struck out one over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. 
  • Logging three innings of scoreless bulk relief, Bryce Wilson scattered three hits and recorded a strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

July 5, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the eighth, Elvis Peguero suffered his third loss. He allowed a lead-off single, recorded an out, and issued two walks sandwiched around a Shohei Ohtani groundout. He was removed with the bases loaded and two outs.

  • Hoby Milner gave up a two-RBI single by Freddie Freeman, followed by an RBI double by Teoscar Hernández before an inning-ending strikeout, scoring all three inherited runners on Peguero’s tab.
  • Bryan Hudson was tagged with his second blown save, giving up two hits, including a solo home run by Will Smith, and a walk in the seventh.
  • Joel Payamps worked a clean sixth and struck out one for his 11th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

July 3, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Completing a combined shutout, Jakob Junis recorded his first save of the season and second of his career. He logged two scoreless frames, scattering two hits and issuing a walk while striking out two. He threw 35 pitches (23 strikes – 65.7 Strike%) and induced four whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last three games, spanning six innings.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

July 2, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Capping a rally in the top of the ninth, Trevor Megill secured his 18th save, navigating around a two-out single by Ryan McMahon with a game-ending strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and did not record a whiff while striking out two. He’s been scoreless in 14 of his last 15 appearances and converted all 10 save chances with 14 strikeouts against four walks.

  • Rob Zastryzny collected his first win after stranding two runners and retiring both batters in the bottom of the eighth, one via strikeout.
  • Bryan Hudson worked a clean seventh, then gave up Brenton Doyle’s go-ahead RBI double and two walks in one-third of the eighth. He finished 1.1 innings with a hit allowed, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

July 1, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Tasked with a tied score in the bottom of the tenth, Joel Payamps induced a flyout which advanced the “place” runner to third, then issued two intentional walks (Brenton Doyle, Nolan Jones), loading the bases with one out. However, Jake Cave produced an RBI, walk-off single, handing Payamps his fifth loss.

  • Trevor Megill worked around a runner reaching on an error and a single for a scoreless ninth. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and recorded one whiff. This extended his scoreless streak to eight games.
  • Elvis Peguero suffered his third blown save, allowing two hits, including a game-tying solo home run by Doyle in the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 29, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – With the score tied in the top of the eighth, Joel Payamps suffered his fourth loss. He issued a lead-off walk and gave up Ian Happ’s go-ahead two-run home run before recording an out. During his one-third of the eighth, Payamps finished with a hit against, two earned runs, and three walks.

  • Enoli Paredes logged 1.2 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out one.
  • Bryan Hudson fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts. He remains scoreless through eight appearances in June, with 14 strikeouts against one walk across 12 innings. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 28, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Slamming the door on his 17th save, Trevor Megill retired the side against the Cubs’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through 13 appearances in June, he’s been scoreless in 12 and converted all nine save chances with 12 strikeouts versus four walks.

  • Jared Koenig stranded the bases-loaded in the seventh and logged 1.1 clean frames, recording three strikeouts for his fourth hold.
  • Elvis Peguero notched his eighth hold, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 26, 2024

(RP | MIL): After working a scoreless top of the tenth, Jared Koenig collected his seventh win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Jared Koenig collected his seventh win after tossing a scoreless top of the tenth. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts while throwing 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Trevor Megill worked a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and getting two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Through 12 appearances in June, he’s been scoreless in 11 with 12 strikeouts versus four walks while converting all eight save chances. Joel Payamps fired a clean eighth, striking out one. Bryan Hudson retired the side in the seventh and recorded a strikeout. Jakob Junis logged two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 25, 2024

(RP | MIL): Securing his second save, Elvis Peguero fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against Texas. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (41.7 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 24, 2024

(RP | MIL): Completing a come-from-behind win, Trevor Megill notched his 16th save. He hit a batter and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth against Texas. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Securing his 16th save, Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, closing out a three-run win over Texas. He did allow a baserunner on a hit-by-pitch but recorded two strikeouts, including a game-ending one against Adolis García. Megill threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (20 SwStr%). Through 11 games in June, he’s been scoreless in ten and converted all eight save chances with 12 strikeouts against four walks. Joel Payamps notched his tenth hold, yielding a hit during a scoreless eighth. Jared Koenig navigated around three walks and struck out two in a scoreless seventh, recording his third hold. Elvis Peguero collected his fifth win despite giving up two hits, including a solo home run, and struck out one in the sixth inning.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 20, 2024

(RP | MIL): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Joel Payamps suffered his third loss. After striking out two batters, he allowed a walk-off home run by Jake Cronenworth. Payapms threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 19, 2024

(RP | MIL): Locking down his 15th save, Trevor Megill completed a combined shutout by firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one against the Angels. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Finishing a combined shutout, Trevor Megill fired a clean bottom of the ninth for his 15th save. He threw seven pitches 85.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%) while striking out one. He’s converted a save in seven straight appearances and been scoreless in eight of nine this month. Bryan Hudson recorded his 11th hold, tossing two scoreless frames, yielding a hit, and striking out one. Through five outings in June, he’s secured four holds over eighth scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against one walk and a 0.25 WHIP. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 18, 2024

(RP | MIL): While securing his 14th save, Trevor Megill inherited a sticky situation with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth but induced a game-ending flyout at the wall by Taylor Ward. Megill has converted a save in his last six appearances and has been scoreless in seven of his eight games in June.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 16, 2024

(RP | MIL): After issuing an intentional walk (Elly De La Cruz), Trevor Megill recorded his 13th save on a game-ending play at the plate after a single. He worked around a runner reaching on an error and struck out one during his scoreless outing in the ninth. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Hanging on for his 13th save, Trevor Megill closed out a one-run win over the Reds. After recording a strikeout, things turned with a runner reaching on an error. He intentionally walked Elly De La Cruz with two outs before a game-ending play at the plate following a hit. Megill finished with a hit against and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless outing. Joel Payamps navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth for his ninth hold. Jared Koenig received credit for his second hold, serving up a solo home run (De La Cruz) and striking out one over two-thirds of the seventh. Enoli Paredes hit a batter and issued a walk during his one-third of the seventh. He was awarded his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 15, 2024

(RP | MIL): Hanging on for his 12th save, Trevor Megill issued a lead-off walk and gave up an RBI double before recording the last three outs against the Reds. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Although he did not preserve the shutout, Trevor Megill recorded his 12th save during a two-run win over the Reds. He committed a leverage no-no, issuing Elly De La Cruz a lead-off walk, who promptly stole second and scored on an RBI double by Jeimer Candelario. However, Megill bore down with two groundouts and a game-ending flyout. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This snapped his five-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted six straight saves since May 21 with 11 strikeouts against three walks across his last 7.1 innings. Bryan Hudson nailed down his tenth hold with two clean frames, striking out two. He’s been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 contests, recording two wins and seven holds in eight chances with a 24:2 K:BB over 18.2 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 12, 2024

(RP | MIL): With two runners on and no outs, Trevor Megill took over in the ninth. He did let both inherited runners score, but turned in a scoreless outing. He allowed an RBI-single and a walk while striking out one for his 11th save. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Forced into action in the top of the ninth, Trevor Megill took over with two runners on and no outs. He let both inherited runners score while giving up a hit and a walk but held on for his 11th save, preserving a one-run win over Toronto. His outing began with a wild pitch, moving runners to second and third and allowing an RBI single by Bo Bichette. After walking Danny Jansen, Megill struck out George Springer and gave up a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Kirk, followed by a game-ending lineout by Vlad Guerrero Jr. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%), getting one whiff in his outing. He’s converted three straight save chances and been scoreless through five games this month. Hoby Milner allowed three hits and three earned runs while striking out two during a combined inning of relief. Bryan Hudson fired a clean seventh, striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson

June 10, 2024

(RP | MIL): Reaching double digits in saves for the first time of his career, Trevor Megill worked around a two-out single with a game-ending groundout by Vlad Guerrero Jr., closing out a two-run win with a scoreless ninth. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Securing his 10th save, and preserving a two-run win, Trevor Megill navigated around a two-out single with a game-ending groundout by Vlad Guerrero Jr. Megill threw 11 pitches (8 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven games, converting all four save chances with 10 strikeouts versus one walk. Joel Payamps retired the side in the eighth and recorded a strikeout for his eighth hold. He’s turned in a clean appearance in four of his five outings this month.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

June 8, 2024

(RP | MIL): Capping a comeback win, Trevor Megill nailed down his ninth save with a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Tigers. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Shutting the door on his ninth save, Trevor Megill retired the side in the bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win in Detroit. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s on a modest three-game scoreless streak, and this represents his first save in June. Joel Payamps fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his seventh hold. Bryan Hudson logged 1.1 clean frames, striking out three. Enoli Paredes gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout over two-thirds scoreless, securing his second hold. Jared Koenig earned his sixth win, tossing 1.2 clean innings and striking out two. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

June 4, 2024

(RP | MIL): Tasked with a tied score in the bottom of the tenth, Joel Payamps issued an intentional walk and allowed a walk-off RBI single by Nick Castellanos, resulting in his second loss. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – After his team did not score in the top of the tenth, Joel Payamps suffered his second loss. He issued an intentional walk (Bryson Stott) and allowed a walk-off RBI single by Nick Castellanos, scoring the “place” runner. Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and an intentional walk (Bryce Harper) while recording all three outs via strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%). Elvis Peguero was tagged with his second blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Alec Bohm. He also issued a walk and struck out one in the eighth. Bryan Hudson logged 1.2 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

June 2, 2024

(RP | MIL): Fortune fell upon Enoli Paredes during his first major league save. He recorded his first out on a caught stealing and navigated around a ground-rule double with an inning-ending double play on a flyout with a runner thrown out at home. He finished with two scoreless frames while finishing a three-run win. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – A career-first save for Enoli Paredes. He took over in the eighth with two runners on, and one was erased on a caught stealing, which proved beneficial when Nicky Lopez hit a ground-rule double. With one out, Paredes induced a flyout, and Tommy Pham was thrown out at home, resulting in an inning-ending double play. Despite hitting a batter in the ninth, the Brewers reliever retired the other three batters, finishing the three-run win. He logged two scoreless frames and allowed the one hit. Kevin Herget earned his first hold, tossing two scoreless innings, issuing two walks, and striking out five. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

June 1, 2024

(RP | MIL): After retiring the side in the top of the tenth, and stranding the “place” runner, Hoby Milner collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the inning. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth, Hoby Milner collected his third win. He fired a clean top of the inning, recording one strikeout. Elvis Peguero worked a clean ninth, striking out one. Joel Payamps retired the side in the eighth. Trevor Megill made his first appearance since being struck on the arm by a comeback line drive, tossing a clean seventh and striking out the side. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Jared Koenig turned in a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 31, 2024

(RP | MIL): Enoli Paredes retired the side in the seventh while striking out one, resulting in his first win. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 30, 2024

(RP | MIL): Navigating around a one-out single, Elvis Peguero secured his first save of 2024, and the second of his career with a scoreless ninth, finishing a two-run win over the Cubs. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Converting his first save of the season and second of his career, Elvis Peguero turned in a scoreless top of the ninth despite allowing a one-out single by Dansby Swanson. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Bryan Hudson collected his fourth win and incurred his first blown save. He gave up two home runs during his 1.2 innings and recorded a strikeout. This marks his second straight outing with a win, but he lost his modest seven-game scoreless streak. Joel Payamps gave up a hit and an earned run in a combined inning for his sixth save. His run scored on the first home run given up by Hudson.

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up-based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 29, 2024

(RP | MIL): Entering during the fifth inning, Jared Koenig logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three, collecting his fifth win. He threw 37 pitches (64.9 Strike%) and generated nine whiffs (24.3 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 28, 2024

(RP | MIL): A tough luck loss for Trevor Megill. He did not record an out after being hit by a comeback line drive by Mike Tauchman, scoring the “place” runner. Megill left the contest, but his manager confirmed he did not suffer a fracture

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – It was not an actual walk-off loss, but Trevor Megill took over in the top of the tenth and was hit on the elbow with a comeback line drive. After being struck, he walked off the field, letting the “place” runner score. He finished his outing with a hit allowed and two runs (one earned) without recording an out, resulting in his first loss. Initial reports suggest he did not suffer a fracture, but fantasy players should monitor his health closely. Hoby Milner gave up four hits and three earned runs over two-thirds of the tenth. Elvis Peguero issued three walks and recorded two strikeouts during a scoreless ninth. Joel Payamps yielded a hit during a scoreless eighth. Enoli Paredes fired a clean seventh, striking out one.

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 27, 2024

(RP | MIL): Turning in another strong outing, Bryan Hudson tossed two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out three. He collected his third win following a five-run rally in the bottom of the eighth. He threw 32 pitches (23 strikes – 71.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He owns a modest seven-game scoreless streak with 15 strikeouts against two walks over 11 innings. He’s also given up one earned run through his last 17 appearances since April 9, recording three wins and six holds across 25 innings.

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 26, 2024

(RP | MIL): Tasked with the bottom of the eighth with the score tied, Elvis Peguero allowed three hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Jarren Duran, resulting in his second loss.

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 25, 2024

(RP | MIL): Although he let one of two inherited runners score, Trevor Megill settled in an recorded his eighth save, recording his only out via strikeout, closing out a three-run win in Boston. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Pressed into duty with runners on first and second with two outs, Trevor Megill let one runner score on an RBI single by Ceddanne Rafaela before a game-ending strikeout of David Hamilton for his eighth save. He only threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s converted seven of eight save chances in May while posting 12 strikeouts against zero walks through eight innings. Hoby Milner allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one over 1.2 innings. Colin Rea collected his fourth win as the “bulk follower,” logging 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, two earned runs, and three walks with two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 24, 2024

(RP | MIL): Operating as the “bulk follower,” Bryse Wilson collected his third win, giving up six hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out seven.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 21, 2024

(RP | MIL): Working on consecutive days, Trevor Megill shut the door on his seventh save, allowing a hit and striking out three during a two-run win in Miami. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Bouncing back from a blown save on Monday, Trevor Megill allowed a one-out single while recording three strikeouts for his seventh save, preserving a two-run win. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%), generating an eye-popping eight whiffs (57.1 SwStr%). He’s appeared in seven games this month, converting six of seven saves with 11 strikeouts against zero walks over seven innings. Joel Payamps notched his fight hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two. Tobias Myers collected his first win, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out two ahead of his team’s rally in the top of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 20, 2024

(RP | MIL): In the bottom of the ninth inning, Trevor Megill was tagged with a blown save, his first of the season. He gave up a full-count, two-out single, a stolen base, and an RBI bloop single, which tied the game. He threw 18 pitches (10 strikes – 55.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs during his outing. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 18, 2024

(RP | MIL): Locking down his sixth save, Trevor Megill gave up a hit and recorded all three outs via strikeout, closing out a two-run win in Houston. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Slamming the door on his sixth save, Trevor Megill fired a scoreless bottom of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out three during a two-run win in Houston. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He’s converted six straight save chances since April 25 with eight strikeouts versus zero walks over seven innings. Bryan Hudson held on for his sixth hold, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Elvis Peguero fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his sixth hold. Hoby Milner collected his second win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

May 14, 2024

(RP | MIL): Although he allowed a solo home run, Trevor Megill secured his fifth save, finishing a one-run win over the Pirates and recording two strikeouts. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite allowing a solo home run, Trevor Megill recorded his fifth save during a one-run win over the Pirates. He threw 24 pitches (15 strikes – 62.5 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (29.2 SwStr%). This snapped his modest six-game scoreless streak, but he’s been scoreless in eight of 10 games this year, posting 10 strikeouts against three walks over 10.2 innings. Elivs Peguero notched his fifth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two. Bryan Hudson fired two clean frames and recorded three strikeouts for his fifth hold. 

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

May 11, 2024

(RP | MIL): After recording two quick outs, Trevor Megill allowed two hits, but retired Nolan Arenado on a game-ending flyout, securing his fourth save. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Handed a two-run lead, Trevor Megill recorded two quick outs, then allowed an infield single, and an opposite-field single by Paul Goldschmidt before inducing a game-ending flyout by Nolan Arenado for his fourth save. He was not sharp throwing 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) without getting a whiff. He’s in the midst of a six-game scoreless streak with four strikeouts and a 0.50 WHIP over six innings. Bryan Hudson notched his fourth hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth. Hoby Milner collected his first win, giving up a hit and striking out one during a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

May 10, 2024

(RP | MIL): Logging an extended outing, Kevin Herget recorded his first save, allowing three hits, including a solo home run by Nolan Gorman, two earned runs, and a walk over three innings, finishing a nine-run win over the Cardinals.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

May 9, 2024

(RP | MIL):  Entering with the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth, Jared Koenig stranded all three runners by inducing a fielder’s choice ground out, a pop-out, and an inning-ending fly-out. He collected his fourth win as a result of his efforts, tossing two scoreless frames, giving up a hit, and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

May 7, 2024

(RP | MIL): Completing his team’s comeback, Trevor Megill nailed down his third save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one versus Kansas City’s top of the lineup. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Things escalated quickly in the top of the ninth with the Brewers taking a one-run lead on a three-run home run. Trevor Megill converted his third save, firing a clean ninth and striking out one. He threw eight pitches (all strikes) and generated three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%) against the Royals’ top of the order. He’s been scoreless in five straight outings with four strikeouts versus zero walks. Jared Koenig garnered his third win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings and allowing two hits. Thyago Vieira gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh. Hoby Milner tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three. This represents Megill’s fourth consecutive game-finished and his third save converted in as many chances. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

May 6, 2024

(RP | MIL): Handed a 2-0 lead, Jared Koenig suffered his first loss, while being credited with his first hold, allowing a hit, three earned runs, a hit-batter, and a walk while striking out one over one-third of an inning. 

Hierarchy remains: *Trevor Megill | *Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

*= closer-by-committee

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over in the seventh with a two-run lead, Jared Koenig suffered his first loss, while receiving credit for his first hold. He allowed a lead-off home run, recorded a strikeout, hit-a-batter, and issued a walk before his removal, resulting in a final line of three earned runs. Elvis Peguero inherited two runners, and both scored on two hits and a walk, though the defense did not do him any favors. Hoby Milner logged 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one. He also stranded the bases-loaded in the seventh, preventing further damage. 

Hierarchy remains: *Trevor Megill | *Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

*= closer-by-committee

May 3, 2024

(RP | MIL): Closing out a comeback win, Trevor Megill fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one for his second save. 

Analysis 

Milwaukee Brewers – Finishing a come-from-behind win, Trevor Megill shut the door on his second save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth against the Cubs’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket, and striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This represents his third straight game-finished, and second save in these outings, all scoreless with two strikeouts against zero walks. Joel Payamps notched his fourth hold, working a scoreless eighth, navigating around a one-out single by Nico Hoerner. He matched up with the 9-1-2-3 hitters and owns a nine-game scoreless streak but recorded his last save on April 24. Elvis Peguero collected his fourth win, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, ahead of his team’s rally in the top of the eighth. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Trevor Megill | *Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

*= closer-by-committee

April 29, 2024

(RP | MIL): Making his first appearance in four days, Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one during a one-run loss. 

Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers – During an eventual 1-0 loss, Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one while facing the Rays’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Bryan Hudson chipped in with two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 28, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – An ugly outing for Abner Uribe resulted in his second loss. He gave up two hits, five earned runs, and three walks over two-thirds of the sixth. He threw 31 pitches (14 strikes – 45.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.

Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 26, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Even though he let the “place” runner score in the top of the 11th, Jared Koenig collected his second win, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk (IBB – Aaron Judge) while striking out one over two innings. Bryan Hudson worked a scoreless ninth, keeping the game tied, walking two and striking out one. Elvis Peguero fired a clean eighth, striking out one. Hoby Milner turned in a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 25, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers –  In his 103rd MLB appearance, Trevor Megill recorded his first career save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket of Pittsburgh. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He owns a 1.06 WHIP with five strikeouts against three walks over his first 5.2 innings. Joel Payamps operated as the HLR, allowing a lead-off double by Oneil Cruz, retiring the next two batters, walking Andrew McCutchen, and inducing an inning-ending groundout by Bryan Reynolds for his third hold. He’s been scoreless in 11 of his 12 games this year. Jared Koenig collected his first win, navigating around two hits and a walk during a scoreless seventh. Abner Uribe recorded a clean sixth, striking out the side on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%).

It may be frustrating from a fantasy perspective, but manager Pat Murphy maps out the high-leverage innings in a match-up-based fashion, which will provide Payamps, Megill, and others saves when necessary. There will not be a traditional closer moving forward. 

Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 24, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Weaving into, and out of trouble, Joel Payamps navigated around two batters reaching via error, for a scoreless ninth and notched his fourth save. He recorded two strikeouts while throwing 11 pitches (10 strikes – 90.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last seven outings and converted a save in three of the last four. Trevor Megill secured his third hold, firing a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out one while facing the 2-3-4 lineup lane of Pittsburgh. Elvis Peguero worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one for his fourth hold. Bryan Hudson collected his second win, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 21, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Locking down his third save, Joel Payamps fired a clean ninth, preserving a shutout, and striking out one in St. Louis. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and generated two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s turned in six straight scoreless outings, converting two of three save chances with four strikeouts against one walk over 5.1 innings. Elvis Peguero notched his third hold, giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Bryan Hudson collected his first win, logging 2.1 scoreless frames, recording four strikeouts on 35 pitches (23 strikes – 65.7 Strike%) with four whiffs.

Updated hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 20, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Collecting his second win, Bryse Wilson logged 1.1 clean frames, taking over in the fourth inning. Hoby Milner retired all four batters faced, recording one strikeout. Abner Uribe tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, walking two and striking out two. He threw 30 pitches (14 strikes – 46.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He owns a 1.74 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against six walks through 10.1 innings. Thyago Vieira gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk in the bottom of the ninth, closing out the 12-5 win.

Updated hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe

April 19, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Notching his first major league save, Hoby Milner worked a scoreless bottom of the tenth, issuing an intentional walk (Willson Contreras) and recording two strikeouts. Joel Payamps collected his first win and suffered his second blown save, letting one of two inherited runners score on a hit batter and a walk in the bottom of the ninth. He was not fully warmed up and pressed into action early, which affected his command. Trevor Megill was credited with his second hold, logging 1.2 innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one. He was one out away from his first career save. Elvis Peguero fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his second hold.

Updated hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill

*= closer-by-committee

April 17, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Preserving a 1–0 win over the Padres, Joel Payamps recorded his second save of the season with a clean top of the ninth. He faced the 3-4-5 lineup pocket, throwing 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff. Abner Uribe collected his first win, working a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit, and striking out one on 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) without a whiff. Elvis Peguero navigated around two hits for a scoreless seventh. Bryan Hudson logged 2.1 scoreless frames and walked one. 

Updated hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | Hoby Milner

*= closer-by-committee

April 16, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – It’s one thing possibly being demoted from the ninth inning, however, taking over in the fourth raises eyebrows in the fantasy community. Abner Uribe escaped with 1.2 scoreless innings, scattering three hits and walking one while striking out two. He threw 31 pitches (18 strikes – 58.1 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (12.9 SwStr%). Hoby Milner fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out three, and stranded the bases loaded in the fifth. Elvis Peguero gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the seventh. Jared Koenig logged 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out one. Joel Payamps worked a clean top of the ninth, striking out two on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) without a whiff.

Updated hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Hoby Milner | Abner Uribe

*= closer-by-committee

April 14, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over in the bottom of the seventh versus the 8-9-1 lineup pocket of Baltimore, protecting a one-run lead, Abner Uribe suffered his first loss and second blown save of the season. He allowed a lead-off single by Jordan Westburg, a single by Jackson Holliday, and a game-tying RBI single by Gunnar Henderson without recording an out. Uribe induced a double-play grounder by Adley Rutschman, but a second earned run scored in the process. He finished with three hits and two earned runs allowed while throwing 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) without a whiff. Hoby Milner gave up three hits, including a solo home run by Colton Cowser, and a walk in the eighth.

Updated hierarchy: *Abner Uribe | *Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

*= closer-by-committee

April 9, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Closing out a four-run win, Abner Uribe worked around a lead-off single and a walk by striking out the next three hitters. He threw 24 pitches (15 strikes – 62.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s posted a 1.60 WHIP with five strikeouts versus three walks over his first five innings. Bryan Hudson stranded a runner while retiring his only batter. Elvis Peguero struggled, giving up four hits and two earned runs while striking out two during his 1.1 innings of relief.

Hierarchy remains: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

April 7, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Wrapping up a lopsided victory, Thyago Vieira recorded his first save of the season and second of his career, tossing three innings, giving up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out five. He threw 50 pitches (66 Strike%) and produced six whiffs (12 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

April 5, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Handed a two-run in the top of the ninth, Abner Uribe suffered his first blown save, giving up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk. However, he collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off walk, in the bottom of the frame. He threw 25 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (12 SwStr%). He’s converted three of four save chances this season, but games like this will happen with a sinkerball pitcher. Elvis Peguero notched his first hold, working around a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth. Bryan Hudson fired 1.1 scoreless frames, hitting a batter and recording a strikeout.

Updated Hierarchy: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

April 3, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – In ascending order of appearances, Hoby Milner stranded the bases loaded in the fourth, but gave up two hits and an earned run in the fifth, logging two-thirds combined innings. J.B. Bukauskas let one of two inherited runners score during his 1.2 innings, giving up a walk and striking out one for his first hold. Joel Payamps suffered his first loss and first blown save, allowing four hits and four earned runs over one-third of the seventh. Bryse Wilson worked 1.2 innings, yielding two hits and an earned run while striking out two.

April 2, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite issuing a lead-off walk to Carlos Correa, Abner Uribe induced a ground ball double play and retired Carlos Santana on a ground out, securing his third save of the season. He threw eight pitches (50 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts versus one walk over his first three innings. Joel Payamps notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth, facing the Twins’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. Hoby Milner allowed his only inherited runner to score but worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one for his first hold. Elvis Peguero collected his second win, tossing two combined innings, allowing an unearned run and a walk while striking out three.

March 31, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Filling in affably in the ninth, Joel Payamps retired the side in order, recording one strikeout for his first save. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s posted two clean outings with three strikeouts. Bryan Hudson worked three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out four on 37 pitches (26 strikes – 70.3 Strike%) with four whiffs for his first hold.

March 30, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – For a second straight day, Pat Murphy called upon Abner Uribe for the save opportunity. Uribe converted his second save, working around a solo home run (Pete Alonso), and striking out two while preserving a one-run win. He threw 18 pitches (72.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Through two games, he owns a 0.50 WHIP with two strikeouts. Hoby Milner let both inherited runners score, giving up a three-run home run by Brett Baty in the eighth. Bryce Wilson gave up two hits and two earned runs over one-third of the eighth. Trevor Megill navigated around two hits for a scoreless seventh while recording all three outs via strikeout. Elvis Peguero collected his first win, firing two clean frames on 26 pitches. Both Uribe and Megill have pitched in two straight games, which means Joel Payamps should be in line for the save chance, if provided, on Sunday. 

March 29, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Receiving the first save chance in the Pat Murphy match-up era, Abner Uribe faced the Mets’ 9-1-2 pocket in the bottom of the ninth. Uribe retired them in order, throwing 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff for his first save of the season and the second of his career. Joel Payamps fired a clean eighth, striking out two versus the 6-7-8 hitters, throwing 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) while inducing four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%), and securing his first hold. Trevor Megill matched up with the 2-3-4 pocket in the seventh and navigated around a walk for a scoreless outing. He worked the highest leveraged moment for his first hold.

March 25, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Entering in the sixth inning, Joel Payamps allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during his one-third of an inning. He’s made eight appearances this spring and posted a 1.64 WHIP with nine strikeouts without issuing a walk over 7.1 innings.

March 23, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – During a split-squad game versus Kansas City, Trevor Megill recorded a scoreless outing, walking one and striking out two. Joel Payamps held on for his first hold, allowing a hit and striking out one during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. In the Brewers other split-squad contest, Abner Uribe tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two. With all three pitching on Friday, here are their updated spring statistics, in alphabetical order: 

  • Trevor Megill: 7 games, 7 innings, 7:2 K:BB, 17.2 K-BB%, 1.29 WHIP, 65.7 Strike%, 17.1 SwStr%
  • Joel Payamps: 7 games, 7 innings, 8:0 K:BB, 23.5 K-BB%, 1.57 WHIP, 68.7 Strike%, 9.1 SwStr%
  • Abner Uribe: 9 games, 8.1 innings, 9:2 K:BB, 15.8 K-BB%. 1.56 WHIP, 70.2 Strike%, 22.3 SwStr%

March 16, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers –  While fantasy players focus on who will get the first save chance for the Brewers this season, discerning the timeline for Devin Williams may be more difficult than the three months in the initial report. Jack Magruder went into the timeline for his return on MLB.com. A key part of this article, Williams said when his back issue flared up, he started compensating and his shoulder was sore in new places after his outing. Forecasting his return data may not be a straight line preposition, any setback in his throwing program after his six-week shutdown must be monitored closely. 

March 14, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers –  As anticipated, Brewers GM, Matt Arnold hinted at a committee for saves in this video interview on “X” shared by Curt Hogg, with results over the next two weeks of spring contests perhaps laying the groundwork for roles once the season begins. However, there was no definitive answer, which means this should be considered a committee until the team announces otherwise. 

March 14, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Jeff Passan dropped a bombshell with Devin Williams having two stress fractures in his back, which will put him on the shelf for three months (shut down six weeks and rehab for six weeks). The team has not confirmed the diagnosis, but it sends this leverage ladder into a tailspin. Ultimately, Pat Murphy will determine the plan for the late-innings. Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and Joel Payamps will be in the mix. Returning from injury last year, Megill posted a 1.18 WHIP with a 28:5 K:BB his last 15 appearances over 17 innings. Payamps tied for second in holds (28) in the National League last season, and Uribe was scoreless in 27 of 32 outings as a rookie. It’s a tough situation for a franchise in flux. Curt Hogg, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, put Payamps and Uribe atop his short list for save chances, but intimated it could be a committee until one reliever emerges with the role

March 12, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Per Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sport Wisconsin, Devin Williams will see a spine specialist on Wednesday, while the fantasy community holds its collective breath about the severity of his back issues. He will undergo further imaging at his appointment. 

March 10, 2024

Milwaukee Brewers – Not the sort of update we prefer providing, but Devin Williams will get a second opinion regarding his back, and the team will be cautious with him per Curt Hogg on “X”. It’s too early for speculating if he will miss any time, but it must be weighed when targeting him in upcoming drafts. Monitor this closely. This post by Jack Magruder for MLB.com provided more insight on the back issue affecting Williams this spring. It’s too early, but if he misses Opening Day, the hierarchy would shift:

Projected hierarchy if Williams lands on the injured list: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps

September 29, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Recalled from the minors earlier this week, Ethan Small was called into an unusual situation: the ninth inning with a three-run lead. He held it together, mixing in a couple of walks with a strikeout to earn his first career save. After the game, he told reporters he was surprised to enter the game at that time, adding that he needed a “win” in the majors “pretty bad.” While wins are important in fantasy baseball, we admire the chase for saves here at Closer Monkey, so well done, Mr. Small!

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Payamps | Uribe.

September 21, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Elvis has left the building, with righty Peguero hitting the injured list with right elbow trouble. He will miss the rest of the regular season, but could conceivably return for the playoffs. We’ve got Abner Uribe slightly ahead of Hoby Milner and Trevor Megill for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Payamps | Uribe.

August 12, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – Abner Uribe picked up a save in the 10th inning after the rest of the Milwaukee hierarchy had pitched, stranding the automatic runner with a flyout and two groundouts. The 23-year-old righty has only allowed two earned runs in his first 13.1 big league innings, and could push for setup opportunities soon.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Payamps | Peguero.

July 7, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Joel Payamps protected a 6-5 lead for his third save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Payamps | Peguero.

July 2, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Devin Williams got a second day off after a heavy workload and Joel Payamps pitched a perfect 9th inning for his second save of the season.  Payamps should continue to be the back-up to Williams and see the occasional save opportunity when he is unavailable. 

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Payamps | Peguero.

June 29, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Elvis Peguero has gotten the call in increasingly high-leverage situations, including the seventh inning on Wednesday with a one-run lead. It appears that he’s favored over Matt Bush at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Payamps | Peguero.

June 26, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers used Joel Payamps to pitch the 7th and 8th innings of a tie game, while Devin Williams took the 9th. When a save opportunity appeared in the 10th, it was Elvis Peguero who got the call. Peguero stranded the ghost runner to pick up the first save of his career. Peguero has been a solid option for Milwaukee since coming over in the Hunter Renfroe trade, but may not have gotten the chance if both Matt Bush and Peter Strzelecki weren’t coming off back to back appearances. Payamps however has clearly jumped up in the hierarchy as the main set up man ahead of Devin Williams, and we will adjust accordingly. 

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Payamps | Bush.

June 24, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Matt Bush was activated from the IL yesterday, and pitched a clean 9th inning of a 6 run game. He jumps right back into the hierarchy, and may quickly move to first in line with Peter Strzelecki struggling in his last few outings.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Strzelecki | Bush.

June 3, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — An 11 inning game saw both teams empty their bullpens, and the last man out for Milwaukee was Bryse Wilson. He allowed the ghost runner to score, but with a 2 run cushion that was enough to earn the save. Wilson has been quite effective out of the bullpen and already has 3 saves on the year, although this was the first one that wasn’t a 3 inning affair.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Strzelecki | Payamps.

June 1, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Joel Payamps has been getting the seventh inning ahead of Peter Strzelecki and Devin Williams, and we think he’s best-positioned to pick up a save if those two need a night off.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Strzelecki | Payamps.

April 25, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – Matt Bush was placed on the IL on Monday; look for Bryse Wilson to get more late-inning chances.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Strzelecki | Wilson.

April 20, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers — Devin Williams had thrown 53 pitches over the last three days, so the Brewers used Matt Bush to nail down the save on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.

April 15, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – Trivia question: Two weeks into the season, who leads the Milwaukee Brewers in saves? If you said Devin Williams you’d be understandably wrong. If you said Joel Payamps because he got the save on Thursday, you’d be less understandably wrong. The correct answer is long reliever Bryse Wilson, who picked up a 3 inning save on April 3rd, and after another 3 inning save last night now leads the Brewers with 2 saves. We said earlier on that Wilson doesn’t normally factor into the late inning plans, but we should maybe add the caveat: Unless the Brewers are up by 10.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.

April 14, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – Milwaukee’s entire hierarchy pitched in Thursday’s win against the Padres, but it was Joel Payamps who picked up the save. How? Peter Strzelecki got the final out of the sixth and pitched a clean seventh. After Matt Bush blew the save in the eighth inning, allowing a tying a home run, Devin Williams pitched a clean ninth with the game still tied. That left room for Payamps to pick up the save in the 10th after the Brewers scored in the top half. He might not see another save chance this season.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.

April 4, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – Bryce Wilson got a 3-inning save in a blowout win on Monday. He doesn’t factor in to the usual late inning plans for Milwaukee.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.

March 16, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers – After spending years as the closer in the most reliable bullpen in baseball, Josh Hader was traded out of Milwaukee, leaving Devin Williams at the helm. Williams picked up where Hader left off, recording 9 saves in August-September and turning in a K/9 over 14. The Brewers have been a model of consistency in their bullpen rolls, and 2023 looks like it will be no different, with Williams as the clear closer for the Brewers, trade acquisition Matt Bush as the primary set up man, Peter Strzelecki in the 7th inning and Hoby Milner as the lefty specialist. Williams is as safe a closer as anybody, and should be one of the top options league wide.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.
Holds candidates: Bush, Strzelecki, Milner.

October 5, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Peter Strzelecki earned his first MLB save of his career on Tuesday thanks to a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Rogers | Boxberger.

September 4, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams pitched a scoreless 9th inning with the game tied and that left Taylor Rogers for the save chance in the 10th inning after the Brewers took the lead.  Taylor struck out a pair in a perfect inning for the save and now has eight straight scoreless appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Rogers | Bush.

August 22, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams wasn’t available Sunday after a heavy workload leading up, so Taylor Rogers got the 9th inning in a 3-run game, converting for his 29th save of the season — and his first since July 23.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Rogers | Bush.

August 14, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Taylor Rogers and Devin Williams pitched scoreless innings in the 8th and 9th innings with the game tied.  That left Matt Bush for the extra innings save chance and he converted for his second save since coming over to the Brewers.  Bush struggled in his first two outings for the Brewers but now has saves in his last two and should see more time in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Rogers | Bush.

August 10, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers had yesterday off, which made Devin Williams’ absence from Tuesday’s ninth inning a bit suspicious. Milwaukee instead turned to Matt Bush for the save, and he tossed a perfect frame for his first save with the Brewers. After the game, manager Craig Counsell explained that Williams needed an extra day of rest to recover from last week’s heavy workload. In addition, Counsell said that Taylor Rogers got a cortisone shot in his knee over the weekend, which meant he was also unable to pitch on Tuesday.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Rogers.

August 1, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader on the move, Devin Williams ascends to the closer role. Taylor Rogers will try and work himself back to form in a new environment.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Rogers.

July 23, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Perhaps getting a jump on the trade deadline, or maybe looking for some insurance in case Josh Hader’s struggles going into the all-star break continue, the Brewers signed former Giants closer Jake McGee yesterday. McGee had been released by the Giants after a miserable year, and perhaps a change in scenery will find him returning to form, but it will take some work for McGee to crack the Milwaukee hierarchy. Josh Hader looked more like his old self pitching a scoreless 9th while striking out 2 in a tie game last night, which has to be encouraging for the Brewers.  

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

July 16, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader, who gave up 8 runs all of last year, has given up 9 runs in his last two appearances. Hader gave up 3 runs in taking the loss on Wednesday, and surrendered 6 last night, including a walk off Grand Slam. After the game he said “I feel like I’m trying to feel things that I don’t need to. I lost that aggressiveness that I normally have. I just have to chalk it up and move on.” It has been a rough month of July for Hader, giving up runs in 5 of his 7 appearances and balooning his ERA a full 3 points from 1.50 to 4.50.  Meanwhile, Devin Williams is waiting in the wings, and hasn’t given up a run in 26 appearances dating back to May 13. Hader has more than earned a bit of a leash, and opting out of the All Star Game may give him a bit of rest, but with Milwaukee holding off the Cardinals in the NL Central, don’t be surprised if Williams starts snagging a few extra save opportunities.  

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

July 15, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – The Vulture Save Watch came up big here, too. Josh Hader got the night off Thursday and Devin Williams earned the save. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

June 21, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader looked fine after what was presumably several days of minimal sleep, returning from the paternity list to log a scoreless 9th inning.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

June 18, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers — In the first save chance with Josh Hader on the paternity list the Brewers left Devin Williams in his typical 8th inning spot, while giving the save chance to Brad Boxberger. After a Joey Votto fly ball died on the warning track, Boxberger had his first save on the season. Hader is expected back sometime this weekend, so it should be back to business as usual for the Brewers soon.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

June 17, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader should be back with the Brewers sometime this weekend, though no official timetable was given when he was placed on the paternity list two days ago. But will he be with the Brewers long term? Baseball reporter Jon Heyman speculates Hader could be a coveted asset at the trade deadline, should Milwaukee decide to sell. A trade seems unlikely, but if Devin Williams is still available in deeper leagues, perhaps he’s worth stashing.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

June 16, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader will be out on paternity leave for a few days, leaving the ninth in the capable hands of Devin Williams.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

June 15, 2022

Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader was placed on the paternity list ahead of Wednesday’s game, and he has not traveled with the team. Devin Williams is the top choice to get saves in his absence, but Brad Boxberger may see some chances as well.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

June 8, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader is human after all, as he gave up two solo homers in the ninth to blow a 2-1 lead. That ended his streak of scoreless appearances at 40 straight games, leaving him tied with Ryan Pressly for the longest such streak in MLB history.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

May 23, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader returned Thursday from the family medical emergency list and picked up where he left off. He allowed a hit and a walk but kept things scoreless again to earn his 16th save. He’s awesome.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

May 23, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – All-star closer Josh Hader has been placed on the family medical emergency list. No timetable was given for a return date. Devin Williams should handle closing duties in the meantime.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Gott.

May 16, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Aaron Ashby pitched the final four innings of a four-run Brewers victory, picking up his first save of the season. He doesn’t factor in to Milwaukee’s usual late-inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

May 4, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – There was legitimate concern on Tuesday when Devin Williams, not Josh Hader, entered the ninth inning to protect a 6-3 lead. However, after Williams secured the save, Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said that Hader had mid-back spasms and should be available either Wednesday or Thursday. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

April 29, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader already has 10 saves and we haven’t reached the end of April, so naturally he has been busy lately, going in two straight and four of five. As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Devin Williams came on for the save Thursday, striking out the side. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

March 24, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – In a world where every other team leans into committees you can always count on the Brewers to be a stable bullpen presence. If Josh Hader isn’t the best closer in the league he is close to it, and will likely be drafted early in every format. Devin Williams was great in 2021 until punching a wall cost him the post season. He is back and is apparently mixing in a cutter to his arsenal as well. Rounding out the hierarchy is Brad Boxberger, who was a reliable source of holds last year. There isn’t much more to say about Milwaukee, they are as predictable as any team you will find.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.
Holds candidates: Williams | Boxberger.

September 30, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers — Milwaukee’s joy at clinching a playoff spot quickly turned to agony, as Devin Williams announced that after the party, he had “a few drinks,” got frustrated about something, and punched a wall, breaking his pitching hand and likely ending his season. There’s an outside chance he could be back for the World Series, but then again, if the team makes it there, he’ll have to survive two more celebrations.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Boxberger | Suter.

September 13, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Aaron Ashby picked up a three-inning save with a dominant outing in the Brewers blowout victory. He doesn’t factor in to their normal late inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

August 19, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers — When Josh Hader pitched the ninth inning in a tied game, that left the save opportunity in the tenth for Devin Williams, who converted it.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

August 12, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader returned from the COVID injured list after a 10-day stay, and he’ll bump Devin Williams back to a setup role going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

August 11, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – After Devin Williams recorded the final three outs in game one, Brent Suter picked up his first MLB save to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Cubs. Brad Boxberger retired both batters he faced in the bottom of the sixth to keep the Brewers ahead in the opener.

Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

August 2, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader is on the COVID IL. Devin Williams should get a bulk of the save chances while Hader is out, though Brad Boxberger could also be in the mix for the Brewers.

Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.

July 28, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams was activated from the IL on Tuesday and should return to his usual setup role for the Brewers. 

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

July 18, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams was placed on the IL with right elbow discomfort.  Jake Cousins got the seventh inning in Williams’ absence and struck out a pair in a scorless inning.  Brad Boxberger took the eighth inning with Williams out, but could not get the job done.  Cousins and Boxberber should continue to see time setting up Josh Hader while Williams is out.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Boxberger | Cousins

June 21, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader got the day off after pitching two straight, so Brad Boxberger got the 9th inning and collected his third save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

June 14, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Despite the full slate of games yesterday, there wasn’t much relief pitching news across baseball, so we thought we’d use this space today to highlight Hunter Strickland’s recent trip around the majors. With yesterday’s trade, from the Angels to the Brewers, Strickland is joining his 7th team (Giants, Mariners, Nats, Mets, Rays, Angels, Brewers) in the last three years. Strickland actually had a great stretch with Tampa to start the season, then was pretty awful with the Angels, but anyway, this probably doesn’t matter much so let’s just get to the Vulture Save Watch and move on with our lives, shall we?

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

June 7, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader and Devin Williams have thrown a lot of pitches lately, so Brad Boxberger got the call for Sunday’s save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

May 22, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers traded JP Feyereisen and Drew Rasmussen to the Tampa Bay Rays for Trevor Richards and shortstop Willy Adames. Feyereisen had been pitching well for Milwaukee until giving up 6 runs over his last two outings, and his place in the hierarchy will be filled by Brad Boxberger.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.

May 10, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – Drew Rasmussen picked up a 10th inning save on Sunday after Josh Hader and Devin Williams had already pitched. Elsewhere in the Brewers hierarchy, Brent Suter recently exited a game after an injury (during a start, no less), so we’ll elevate JP Feyereisen in to his place.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Feyereisen.

April 22, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – We’ve been watching the Brewers pretty closely after Craig Counsell announced that Devin Williams wasn’t necessarily their top setup guy anymore. Brent Suter has had some rough outings as well, while J.P. Feyereisen (0 ER, 9 K in 9.2 IP) and Brad Boxberger have looked good. Wednesday, Counsell used Suter in the fifth and sixth, Williams in the seventh, and started Boxberger in the eighth before calling on Feyereisen to save his bases-loaded bacon. Feyereisen is coming on strong, but we’re going to wait at least one more game to shake up this hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Suter.

April 8, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers needed Josh Hader to pitch the ninth in a tie game; they used Devin Williams in the eighth; and Brent Suter pitched three innings on Tuesday. So after they took a three-run lead in the top of the tenth, they called on J.P. Feyereisen to nail things down. He loaded the bases with two outs, though, so when Brad Boxberger induced a flyout, he earned his first save since March 28, 2019. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Suter.

March 5, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers return one of the best bullpens in baseball this year, with talent from top to bottom. Josh Hader returns as one of the most reliable closers in the league, and despite giving up more runs than usual, he still maintained an elite strikeout rate, and saved 13 games in the shortened season. Behind Hader, Devin Williams may be one of the best setup men in all of baseball this year, and is coming off a season where he posted an incredible 53 strikeouts over 27 innings, making him worth a look in almost any league. Behind them, Freddy Peralta was slated as more of a long reliever, but found himself in a lot of high leverage spots at the end of 2020, and could easily return to that role this year. Drew Rasmussen is a hard thrower who had some mixed results at the end of last season, while Brent Suter and Justin Topa round out the bullpen that should be one of the most effective in the league.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Suter.
Holds candidates: Williams, Suter, Topa, Peralta.

September 1, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – With David Phelps lost to trade, look for lefty Alex Claudio to get a few more hold opportunities in Milwaukee.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Claudio.

August 21, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – Corey Knebel (9.45 ERA, 2.25 WHIP), who we removed from the Brewers’ hierarchy earlier this week, has been placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Phelps | Williams.

August 17, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – Youngster Devin Williams, who now has 17 Ks and a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings this season, pitched the 7th inning on Sunday before giving way to veteran David Phelps, who threw a scoreless 8th inning to also lower his ERA to 1.04 on the year (only 13 Ks for Phelps but hey we’re not complaining). Josh Hader finished the rest. With Corey Knebel struggling, that’s how we’ll line up this bullpen for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Phelps | Williams.

August 16, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers — Alex Claudio got the call in extras and pitched a scoreless inning for his first save since 2018.  Josh Hader got the day off and Corey Knebel had already pitched.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Knebel | Williams.

August 15, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers — Devin Williams (17.6 K/9, 1.17 ERA) and his killer changeup is seeing an expanded role in the late innings for Milwaukee. On Friday, he sprinkled four outs around a “double” that Ben Gamel decided to volleyball set instead of catch. Corey Knebel hasn’t been great, so Williams could be Josh Hader’s chief deputy soon — if he isn’t already.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Knebel | Williams.

July 27, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – The single most impressive relief outing of the season thus far was turned in by David Phelps on Monday night. The veteran pitched the top of the 10th and 11th innings for the Brewers — meaning that he had to deal with a runner on 2nd at the start of each inning — and allowed no damage whatsoever, striking out 3 hitters and not allowing anyone to reach base other than the aforementioned starting runners. With the ostensible set-up men for the Brewers having both appeared in the 4th inning of games earlier this year, this outing is enough to move Phelps to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Knebel | Phelps.

July 20, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers’ bullpen got stronger heading into the shortened season thanks to the return of Corey Knebel, who has recovered from Tommy John surgery. While Knebel’s usage will certainly need to be monitored, he has a good chance of seeing some save chances when Josh Hader is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Knebel | Suter.

February 26, 2020
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader will be the most coveted reliever for fantasy owners entering 2020 and should continue to function in the same role as he did last season. After Hader, the rest of the bullpen becomes a little murkier. Brent Suter, who dazzled in the bullpen last September after his return from Tommy John surgery, avoided arbitration with the club and signed a two-year deal, but the incentives in that deal indicate he may see time as a starter. Speaking of Tommy John, Corey Knebel remains on track to return during the first half of the season, and David Phelps joined the squad on a one-year deal. Alex Claudio will be back, as will fireballer Ray Black. It remains a mystery for now as to who will supplement Hader in the late innings, but the Brewers certainly have some options.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: Hader | Suter | Phelps.
Holds candidates: Suter, Phelps, Claudio, Black.

September 18, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader unavailable, Drew Pomeranz pitched the final two innings of the Brewers’ 3-1 win last night. After the game, Craig Counsell said that Pomeranz pitched so well that he didn’t need to turn to Junior Guerra at any point. Pomeranz has been outstanding as a reliever and will join Guerra as someone in line for vulture saves whenever Hader is rested.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Guerra | Pomeranz.

September 11, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader got a second day off after pitching twice over the weekend, so it was Drew Pomeranz who got the 9th inning on Tuesday. He converted for his first save. Junior Guerra and Matt Albers appeared earlier in the game.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Guerra | Albers.

September 2, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Junior Guerra had another solid outing yesterday, helping the Brewers protect a 1-run lead late in the game. Guerra has now allowed just 2 runs in his last 14.2 innings and has returned to his past position as the most likely handcuff when Josh Hader is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Guerra | Albers.

August 22, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — By closing out the last batter in the seventh, Junior Guerra put himself in position to earn a rare rain-shortened save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Albers | Peralta.

August 15, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — After another rocky outing, Josh Hader was given the day off by Craig Counsell, allowing Matt Albers to grab his third save in eight days. 

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Albers | Peralta.

August 11, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — After throwing 44 pitches on Friday, his most since 2017, Josh Hader got a much deserved day off on Saturday.  That left Matt Albers to pick up his second save in the past week and third of the season.  Albers has only allowed one run in his last twelve appearances and manager Craig Counsell praised Albers after the game.  We will slide him up to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Albers | Peralta.

August 7, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — With both Josh Hader (28 pitches) and Freddy Peralta (31 pitches) needing a night off after a busy Monday, the Brewers turned to Matt Albers with a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning. Albers began the inning with a single, wild pitch and a double, but he settled down and converted his second save of the season. Jeremy Jeffress owns a 15.19 ERA over his last five outings. That’s not good.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Peralta| Albers .

July 25, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader struck out five in two scoreless innings, but those innings were the seventh and eighth. Junior Guerra had pitched the sixth and Jeremy Jeffress was getting a second straight day off, so 23-year-old Freddy Peralta got the ninth for his first career save. This was Peralta’s fifth straight scoreless appearance in relief, and although he’s not pushing Josh Hader aside anytime soon, he could benefit from Craig Counsell’s habit of using Hader early based on matchups.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Jeffress | Peralta.

July 2, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – The plan was probably to have Josh Hader pitch the final two innings of the game on Monday, but after Hader struggled in the 8th, the Brewers turned to Jeremy Jeffress for the 9th. Jeffress allowed a run but managed to close the door for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Jeffress | Guerra.

July 1, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader unavailable, the Brewers went to Jeremy Jeffress in the 8th and then, somewhat surprisingly, Matt Albers for the 9th. Albers converted for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Jeffress | Guerra.

June 9, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress pitched a perfect eighth inning ahead of Josh Hader yesterday.  It was the second straight appearance where Jeffress was used to set-up Hader and the man who had 15 saves for the Brewers just last season could be settling in to give the Brewers a strong 1-2 punch at the back-end of their bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Jeffress | Guerra.

June 3, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader threw 34 pitches over a two-inning effort on Saturday, so he got Sunday off, leaving Alex Claudio and Corbin Burnes to split the 9th inning. Burnes retired both hitters he faced to earn his first save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Guerra | Jeffress.

May 7, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – We figured Josh Hader would get the night off, but it was Junior Guerra who picked up the save in his absence, while Jeremy Jeffress got the 8th. Jeffress has been solid since his return, but it appears Guerra (2 saves, 6 holds) is Hader’s handcuff for now.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Guerra | Jeffress.

May 1, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Junior Guerra nearly completed a three-inning save on Tuesday, striking out the first six hitters he faced before finding trouble in the ninth. Guerra got one out before a walk and an RBI double was enough to summon Josh Hader to finish the job. Hader allowed a two-run homer but closed out the game. Expect Guerra to continue to get high-leverage work now that Alex Wilson has been designated for assignment.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Jeffress | Guerra.

April 23, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress logged his third straight scoreless outing since his return from the IL. The Brewers have struggled to find a good bridge to Josh Hader in his absence, so we think this is good enough to move him up on to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Jeffress | Wilson.

April 17, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers activated Jeremy Jeffress from the IL on Tuesday, but Craig Counsell said that Jeffress won’t see any high-leverage work right away. We’ll see how long it takes before Counsell deems Jeffress ready to return to his usual late-inning role.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Wilson | Guerra.

April 14, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — Former starter Junior Guerra has been solid out of the Brewers’ bullpen this season and that continued on Saturday. Guerra pitched the final two innings of a three-run Brewers’ victory to earn his first save of the season. We will reward Guerra’s good work with a spot on the hierarchy, but it probably won’t last long. Jeremy Jeffress made what could be his last rehab appearance yesterday and could re-join the Brewers soon.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Wilson | Guerra.

April 4, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers — We told you Alex Wilson was next in line for the Brewers. So we predicted a vulture save for him Wednesday. And he got it. By the way, here’s who four of our “competitors” have in that next-in-line spot this morning: Matt Albers, Junior Guerra, and (on two sites) the injured Jeremy Jeffress. Hierarchies change fast. If you like having them right, well, you’re in the right place. (So keep in mind that Jeffress could be back very soon.)

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Wilson | Barnes.

April 2, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – For the second straight outing, Alex Wilson got the ball before Josh Hader and successfully kept the opponent off the board. He looks to be the 8th inning man in Milwaukee for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Wilson | Barnes.

March 30, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – Corey Knebel will have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2019 season. Knebel was in line to be a major piece of the Brewers bullpen after an excellent postseason in 2018, but a UCL tear in spring training caused him to choose surgery and rehab. Josh Hader remains the best arm to own here, especially with Jacob Barnes having a rough outing last night. With Jeremy Jeffress also starting the year on the IL, the Brewers have renewed their interest in Craig Kimbrel. If you have the space and patience in a shallow league, now may be the time to stash him.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Barnes | Albers.

March 29, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – As expected, Josh Hader was given the first save chance out of the beleaguered Brewers bullpen, and he converted, looking dynamite in the process (2 IP, 4 Ks, 0 ER). Converted starter Junior Guerra made a tight game tighter, allowing a run in the seventh, much to the chagrin of a famous former house guest. Former closer Corey Knebel, who was originally expected to compete for saves this year, began the season on the shelf and may be considering surgery. A decision about how to handle his partially torn UCL is expected Friday. Stay tuned.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Barnes | Albers.

March 22, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – The strength of the Brewers is typically their bullpen, but some top options will not be with the team on Opening Day. Corey Knebel has been pitching with a UCL injury for a while, according to manager Craig Counsell, and now the pitcher is set to seek a second opinion about the injury. Counsell earlier said there’s “reason for concern” about the injury. Couple that with the fact Jeremy Jeffress won’t be ready to pitch Opening Day either, that explains the club’s interest in free agent closer Craig Kimbrel. Out of the gate, Josh Hader is the immediate favorite for saves.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Barnes | Albers.

February 21, 2019
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers bring back the NL’s best reliever from last year in Josh Hader, and the only reason he isn’t a top tier closer is because he isn’t really a closer. The Brewers have a three-headed monster in their bullpen featuring Hader, Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel, all of whom spent time closing out games last year. Hader won the Trevor Hoffman award as the NL’s best relief pitcher, and finished 7th in the Cy Young vote; Jeffress was a solid option all the way up until the playoffs last year, where he posted an ugly 7.71 ERA over 5 games; and Knebel struggled with injuries and inconsistency early in 2018, and even was sent down to AAA, but returned to put up staggering numbers in September (0.00 ERA, 18.2 K/9). All three figure to be prominent parts of the Brewers’ bullpen, but with Craig Counsell preferring to use Hader in the highest-leverage spots, it will likely be Knebel or Jeffress getting the first crack at saves in Milwaukee.

2019 starting hierarchy: *Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Hader, Jeffress, Jacob Barnes.

September 28, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers have their playoff spot, but wouldn’t a division title be nice? Jeremy Jeffress pitched Wednesday but otherwise is ready to pitch this weekend. Josh Hader pitched two of three earlier this week but should be all systems go through Sunday.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.

September 25, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Just yesterday we opined that, despite his otherworldly September, it was unlikely that Corey Knebel would see a save chance again by year’s end. But a bout of neck spasms hit Jeremy Jeffress yesterday, and sure enough, Knebel was summoned for the 9th, whereupon he earned just his second save since July. Jeffress is day-to-day.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.

September 24, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – He’s not likely to get a save chance again, as Jeremy Jeffress has that role nailed down for the remainder of the year, but Corey Knebel has put together an absurd final month of the season: 11.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 21 Ks. Those in dynasty leagues should look to hang on to him going into next year, as he seems to have found the form that made him a top tier closer in 2017.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.

September 18, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Brandon Woodruff pitched the final three innings of an 8-run blowout to record his first save. He does not factor in to Milwaukee’s usual late inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: *Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

September 11, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – A slow news day gives us the chance to post this video of Josh Hader, who struck out all six Cubs (David Bote, Addison Russell, Daniel Murphy, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez) he faced yesterday, needing just 24 pitches (4 per hitter!) to do it. Jeremy Jeffress closed out the game and remains the best guy to own in this closer committee, but goodness, this was as dominant a relief outing as we’ve ever seen.

Hierarchy remains: *Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

September 10, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel has been really good since his return from the minor leagues last week, and he got the nod for a vulture save while Jeremy Jeffress and Josh Hader got the night off. If Knebel keeps this up, he could have his old job back in time for the playoffs.

Updated hierarchy: *Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

August 31, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Jeremy Jeffress got the night off after throwing 39 pitches over two innings on Wednesday, but other members of a tired bullpen weren’t so lucky. Josh Hader recovered from a rough outing on Wednesday (four earned runs; 24 pitches) to toss a scoreless 11th inning Thursday for his 11th save. Joakim Soria pitched ahead of him, appearing for the fourth time in five games. Our pick Corbin Burnes did pitch the ninth, but the game was tied.

Hierarchy remains: *Jeffress | Hader | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee

August 27, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress picked up his 7th save of the season on Sunday. With the Brewers continuing to deploy Josh Hader in a fireman fashion (his last three outings — all two-inning affairs — have seen him enter in the 7th, 6th, and 6th innings), Jeffress may have inched ahead in terms of who is most likely to get a save on any given night. Joakim Soria, who got the 8th last night in his second clean outing off the DL, might factor in occasionally as well.

Updated hierarchy: *Jeffress | Hader | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee

August 25, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers got Joakim Soria back from the DL and threw him right into the 8th inning of a 1 run game. He struck out the side on 13 pitches and will immediately jump back into the hierarchy. Josh Hader was used in the 6th and 7th innings, which left Jeremy Jeffress to try to protect a 1 run lead. Jeffress couldn’t convert the save, and set up a dramatic finish 6 innings later. After giving up 2 runs in the 15th, (and sending even the diehard fans to bed), the Brewers scored 3 off of Clay Holmes to stay in the 2nd NL wildcard spot.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee

August 24, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Earlier this week, manager Craig Counsell said the team was “searching for answers” with how to deal with former all-star closer Corey Knebel, who entered Thursday having allowed runs in five of his last seven appearances. We have our answer now, and it shocked many in Milwaukee after Knebel was demoted to Triple-A. The Brewers are fighting for a playoff spot and have a deep bullpen, so they can afford to make moves like this to help all parties involved. A certain former houseguest seems to approve of the move.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Jeffress | Burnes.
* = closer-by-committee

August 23, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress entered with the bases loaded in the eighth and pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his second straight save.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Jeffress | Burnes.
* = closer-by-committee

August 21, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader pitched two more dominant innings, but this time it was the 7th and 8th, while Jeremy Jeffress got the 9th. Jeffress ran into a spot of trouble, but was able to get Scooter Gennett to ground into the game-ending double play. Both guys have been fantastic this season and will continue to see most of the save opportunities in Milwaukee.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Jeffress | Burnes.
* = closer-by-committee

August 12, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader pitched two perfect innings on Saturday to record his ninth save of the season.  Corbin Burnes pitched a scoreless seventh inning to pick up the win and could continue to see time in the later innings after manager Craig Counsell said he won’t be using Corey Knebel in those situations for a while.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Burnes.
* = closer-by-committee

August 10, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel melted down again on Thursday, failing to record an out, putting four guys on base, and inciting more angry tweets from pseudocelebrities. In relief of Knebel, Joakim Soria gave up a grand slam before leaving with a mild groin strain. After the game, Craig Counsell promised to give Knebel a lower-leverage outing next time, although he added that he expected Knebel to reclaim the ninth before long. For now, we’ll slide him behind Josh Hader and Jeremy Jeffress, each of whom have been phenomenal this season.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

August 5, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader recorded a one-out save yesterday after the Rockies loaded the bases down 4 in the bottom of the ninth.  Corey Knebel pitched a scoreless seventh inning with the Brewers up 6 as they are using him in different roles to try to get him back in a groove.  The Brewers have a number of quality options to close out games and if the committee continues to be successful, it could be hard for Knebel to regain his status as the primary closer.

Hierarchy remains: *Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee

August 1, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – After Joakim Soria pitched a clean eighth inning, Jeremy Jeffress closed out a 1-0 win in the ninth to collect his fourth save of the season. Craig Counsell said after the game that Jeffress got the ninth instead of Corey Knebel because of the righties that were coming to the plate. Had there been at least a couple lefties due up in the ninth, it would have been Knebel’s inning. That’s not exactly what Knebel owners want to hear, as this effectively puts the Brewers into a committee for as long as Counsell decides to worry about matchups in the ninth inning.

Updated hierarchy: *Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee

July 27, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers added to their already-strong bullpen today with the acquisition of White Sox closer Joakim Soria. We think Soria will start at second in line, but that’s no knock on Jeremy Jeffress, who has been near-unhittable in that role this season.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hader | Soria.

July 26, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers added to their already-strong bullpen today with the acquisition of White Sox closer Joakim Soria. We think Soria will start at second in line, but that’s no knock on Jeremy Jeffress, who has been near-unhittable in that role this season.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hader | Soria.

July 20, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers will not discipline Josh Hader for the offensive tweets that came to light during the All-Star game. Major League Baseball has ordered Hader to undergo sensitivity training and participate in diversity initiatives, and MLB executive Billy Bean will be present at Hader’s meetings with team officials and teammates on Friday.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

July 11, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corbin Burnes is the Brewers’ top pitching prospect, and he showed why in his major league debut on Tuesday. He notched his first strikeout in a 1-2-3 eighth, and when the Brewers added two runs to extend their lead to 8-4, Burnes stayed on for another 1-2-3 inning and his first career save. The Orioles are very interested in Burnes, but the Brewers aren’t interested in dealing him. Milwaukee also insists that Burnes will be a starter next year. Don’t be surprised if he continues to shine in the bullpen for the rest of this season, however, as the Brewers look to keep their lead in the division.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

July 6, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Dan Jennings tossed a scoreless eighth inning with the Brewers clinging to a 4-2 lead. After Milwaukee tacked on three more runs, Jennings stayed on in the ninth to earn his first save of the season. Corey Knebel had pitched in three straight entering Thursday, so he needed a breather.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

June 27, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader vultured a 1-out save after Jacob Barnes worked himself into some trouble with a 4 run lead in
the 9th. Corey Knebel was available, but with the left-handed Alex Gordon coming to the plate, Craig Counsell wisely opted for his dominant lefty.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 22, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Two weeks after coming off the DL, Corey Knebel finally got a save opportunity, converting for only his second save of the year. Knebel and Josh Hader should continue to lead this bullpen, and it remains to be seen whether they’ll split opportunities, or whether Knebel will get the bulk.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 12, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — As we mentioned yesterday, Josh Hader was brought in to close out a one-run lead and  complete a Brewers comeback. Corey Knebel had pitched the last two days and Craig Counsell had said he was going to ease Knebel back to the ninth inning. We’ll see how Knebel gets used this weekend, but we expect him to be closing games sooner rather than later.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 11, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel pitched for a second straight night on Thursday — this time in the eighth inning to set up Jeremy Jeffress, who nailed down his third save. Craig Counsell has said Knebel would be eased back in, but we still think he’ll close games soon for this loaded Brewers bullpen. We suspect Josh Hader may get the next chance, with Knebel, perhaps, getting the one after that, if he continues to pitch well.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 10, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel’s first appearance after his injury started with a long home run, but quieted down with three consecutive groundouts. Knebel was used in a low-leverage spot with the team down four, and Craig Counsell says he’s not going to rush his closer back into the ninth. For his part, Knebel is willing to sacrifice his role for the team, saying he doesn’t expect to return to closing right away and that it “doesn’t matter” where he’s used, given the talent in the bullpen. We’ll see whether the Brewers stay in the committee mindset going forward.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 9, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel will be activated from the disabled list today and will return to one of the best bullpens in baseball. Josh Hader – who picked up his fifth multi-inning save of the season on Tuesday – was outstanding during Knebel’s absence and will continue to be a huge part of the Brewers’ late-inning dominance.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

May 4, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel is throwing for the Biloxi Shuckers these days as he continues to work his way back from injury. Pitching against the Jumbo Shrimp in a seafood battle for the ages on Thursday, Knebel tossed a scoreless inning. Milwaukee hasn’t missed a beat without Knebel – they have the second-best bullpen ERA in the big leagues. Josh Hader has been electric in Knebel’s stead and may not relinquish the closer’s gig right away — if at all — when Knebel returns.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Jeffress | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee

May 3, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress isn’t nearly as dominant as Josh Hader, but he’s suddenly piling up multi-inning saves like the lefty. The Brewers bullpen has been phenomenal even without Corey Knebel, ranking #1 in MLB in ERA after the seventh inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Jeffress | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee

May 2, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader unavailable after Monday’s ridiculous performance, Jeremy Jeffress retired all five batters he faced on Tuesday to pick up his first save of the season. Jeffress has been terrific this year for Milwaukee, posting a 0.57 ERA and 0.70 WHIP over 15.2 IP, and he received plenty of praise from his manager after the game. He hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 6 and should be getting more high-leverage looks for the Brewers. Meanwhile, Corey Knebel will begin a rehab assignment today and could potentially rejoin the team later this month.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee

May 1, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader recorded 8 outs on Monday night, ALL BY STRIKEOUT. No one had ever done that before, and Hader remains firmly atop a Brewers committee that is only a committee because the lefty’s long outings mean he usually can’t pitch in back to back games. At any rate, hopefully the appearance helped Brewers fans recover from what was apparently a puke-filled weekend.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

April 23, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader continues to impress, striking out three hitters over two innings to earn his third save of the season — all of which have come in the past nine days. Hader’s emergence has been a nice surprise for the fantasy owners who were quick enough to grab him after Corey Knebel’s injury, though those paying closer attention know that some Brewers superfans have been talking him up since April 20 of last year.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

April 22, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel threw a bullpen on Saturday, his first time on the mound since injuring his hamstring.  There is still no timetable for Knebel’s return, but it would make one Brewers fan extremely happy if they cut Brent Suter to make room for Knebel on the active roster.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

April 19, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Keeping Kato Kaelin happy and vulture save hunters honest, Craig Counsell chose Jacob Barnes to close out Wednesday’s game with Josh Hader getting a day of rest.

Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

April 15, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader dominated the Mets on Saturday to pick up his first career save.  Hader pitched two perfect innings with five strikeouts in closing out the Brewers’ win.  Although Craig Counsell has said that he doesn’t want to make Hader the closer, it’s going to be hard for Counsell to not use Hader as much as possible in save chances with Knebel out.  Hader has a ridiculous 22 strikeouts in 9.2 innings so far this season.  We will move Hader to the top of the committee based on his save yesterday, but Matt Albers will likely still see his share of save chances in situations where Hader is needed before the ninth or is unavailable due to multiple-inning outings.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

April 12, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — After Dan Jennings retired five batters to get the Brewers into the seventh, Craig Counsell called on Josh Hader to pitch a clean eighth, then start the ninth. Hader gave up a leadoff home run and collected his third strikeout before getting pulled in favor of Matt Albers. Albers didn’t make things easy, giving up two straight singles, but a pop-up and a strikeout followed to earn him his first save of the season. Right now, this looks like a legitimate committee; we wouldn’t bet on anyone in particular winning the job outright. Especially Kato Kaelin’s nemesis, J.J. Hoover, who was designated for assignment Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

April 11, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Both Matt Albers and Josh Hader had thrown 30 pitches on Monday, making them unavailable for what turned out to be a disastrous night for the Milwaukee bullpen. Jacob Barnes got another ninth-inning save chance, but two wild pitches tied the game. After the Brewers regained the lead, it was JJ Hoover’s turn to blow a save in the 10th and then give up a walk-off homer in the 11th, much to the dismay of fans and houseguests everywhere. The Brewers bullpen continues to be a mess since Corey Knebel hit the DL, but with Albers and Hader likely available again on Wednesday, perhaps that duo can right the ship.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

April 10, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Matt Albers got the save chance in a 1-run-game last night and blew it, but stayed on for the 10th after the Brewers had regained the lead. Jacob Barnes and Josh Hader had both pitched earlier, so even though Albers didn’t have a perfect outing, the fact that the Brewers held on to win suggests he’s a decent bet for the next opportunity. But should that opportunity come tonight, the veteran may not be available, and if Barnes or someone else converts, then this situation will remain quite clouded going forward. Still, for the time being, we’ll inch Albers to the top.

Updated hierarchy: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

April 8, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers had their first save chance since Corey Knebel hit the DL, and Jacob Barnes got the call.  Unfortunately for Brewers’ fans (and fantasy owners who just picked him up), Barnes was unable to convert the save.  He was charged with 4 runs, although only two were earned.  Barnes gave up a couple infield singles and was hurt by an error, so it wasn’t quite as bad as the final line made it look.  Matt Albers and Josh Hader were unavailable, and this will likely continue to be a committee based on matchups and availability.

Hierarchy remains: *Barnes | Albers | Hader.

* = closer by committee

April 7, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers — Before Friday’s game, Craig Counsell announced that Corey Knebel would miss at least six weeks with a hamstring injury, and that the closer role would be filled by a committee of Jacob Barnes, Matt Albers, Jeremy Jeffress, and the newly acquired Dan Jennings. Although Josh Hader has the biggest upside of any arm in the Milwaukee pen, Counsell sees him as too valuable to tie down to the ninth inning — as evidenced by his use last night to put out a fire in the fourth. Albers pitched two clean innings with the game tied, and the Brewers walked off in the bottom of the ninth. We continue to believe that Barnes has the inside track, with the experienced Albers a close second. As a top-shelf lefty, Hader might get some chances too if the matchups are right.

Updated hierarchy: *Barnes | Albers | Hader.

* = closer by committee

April 6, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – All-Star closer Corey Knebel collapsed after throwing a pitch in the ninth inning of Thursday’s loss to the Cubs. He suffered a left hamstring injury, though the severity of it won’t be known until he receives the results of a scheduled MRI on Friday. Knebel had allowed two runs with Milwaukee already down 6-0. He hadn’t pitched yet in April, so he was getting some much-needed work to stay fresh. Manager Craig Counsell announced after the game he’d be placed on the DL. We expect a mixture of Jacob Barnes, Josh Hader and maybe Matt Albers to contend for saves in Knebel’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: *Barnes | Hader | Albers.
* = closer by committee

April 5, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Corey Knebel went down with a leg injury on Tuesday night that did not look good at all. Turns out it wasn’t good, as after the game Craig Counsell said that Knebel will hit the DL with a hamstring injury. We won’t be surprised if a committee of Jacob Barnes and Josh Hader handles the ninth inning while Knebel’s status is sorted out. Matt Albers and Jeremy Jeffress could also be in the mix.

Updated hierarchy: *Barnes | Hader | Albers.

* = closer by committee

March 30, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – Game No. 1 of 162 already presented us with the first vulture save of the season! Jacob Barnes did the honors for the Brewers, shutting down the Padres in the 12th inning after closer Corey Knebel blew the save in the ninth, giving up the game-tying run. Don’t worry Knebel owners, he’s locked in as the closer.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Hader.
* – closer by committee

February 28, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers – The bullpen was one of the major strengths of the 2017 Brewers and it is likely to be a strength for them again. They found an excellent closer in Corey Knebel and he will start the 2018 season in that role again. Anthony Swarzak is gone, but his setup role will be split between Josh Hader and Jacob Barnes depending on matchups. Barnes finished 8th in the league in holds last year, and could approach those numbers again if he stays healthy. There was some speculation that top prospect Josh Hader would move into the rotation, but he is in the bullpen for now. Although he is a lefty, Counsell had no problem giving him full innings last year, and that will likely continue. Behind the top 3, former closer Jeremy Jeffress is back, and veteran lefty Boone Logan gives Craig Counsell another matchup arm for the late innings, although he is more of a holds candidate than a threat for saves.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Knebel | Barnes | Hader.
Holds candidates: Barnes, Hader, Logan, Jeffress.

September 22, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Up 3-2 in the ninth inning, the Brewers opted to go with former closer Jeremy Jeffress, who gave up a run to blow the save. As we predicted, Corey Knebel and Anthony Swarzak needed rest, but Milwaukee elected to go with Jeffress instead of Josh Hader, who had gone in two of the previous three and also needed rest, according to manager Craig Counsell. For now, consider Jeffress third in line to the throne.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Swarzak | Hader.

August 31, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader got the call in the seventh and picked up his sixth hold of the year. Hader is a lefty, but not a one-out guy, and he’s missing bats with a .144 BAA and 11.8 K/9. He replaces Jacob Barnes, who is second in the league with 24 holds, but has only three over the last 25 days.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Swarzak | Hader.

August 6, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, Corey Knebel received the night off, and Anthony Swarzak got the save opportunity.  Swarzak pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save for the Brewers, and he should continue to see any save chances when Knebel is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Swarzak | Barnes.

August 2, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Anthony Swarzak has made three appearances in his short time with the Brewers and earned two eighth-inning holds, including one in Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over the Cardinals. Swarzak appears to have taken Jacob Barnes’ sport as the setup man in Milwaukee.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Swarzak | Barnes.

August 1, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – In one of the more minor moves of the day, the Brewers reacquired Jeremy Jeffress prior to the trade deadline. Jeffress doesn’t figure to supplant Jacob Barnes as the primary set-up man, but he’ll join Anthony Swarzak in bridging the gap in the 6th and 7th innings.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Swarzak.

July 26, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Last season, Anthony Swarzak gave up 10 home runs in 26 appearances for the Yankees, winding up as a nonroster invitee for Chicago in spring training. This season, easily Swarzak’s career-best, the White Sox flipped him to Milwaukee for a 25-year-old outfield prospect. The Brewers will use Swarzak alongside Jacob Barnes to set up Corey Knebel down the stretch, hoping this Cinderella story can keep rolling into the fall.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Barnes | Swarzak.

July 15, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Rookie Josh Hader picked up his second hold of the season, striking out the last two batters of the seventh inning. Hader is a solid prospect who has transitioned well to the majors since his callup on June 9, sporting a 0.69 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP to go with a solid strikeout rate. While he won’t crack the hierarchy just yet, and he projects as a starter long-term, he’s still a hard-throwing lefty on a contender that should give him plenty of hold chances.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Hughes.

July 10, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Jared Hughes picked up his second seventh-inning hold in as many days on Sunday and has pitched his way onto the Milwaukee hierarchy. The former Pirate has a significantly better ERA and WHIP than Carlos Torres (2.92/1.19 vs 4.37/1.54), who may be wearing down after pitching in the 2nd most games of any reliever in the first half.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Barnes | Hughes.

June 16, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Oliver Drake picked up his first career save with a scoreless ninth inning for Milwaukee. Corey Knebel and Jacob Barnes were apparently unavailable after each pitched in two straight games, and Carlos Torres was called upon to get crucial outs with the game tied in the eighth inning. If we listed a third-in-line, it would likely be Drake, and definitely not former closer Neftali Feliz, who recently got DFA’d.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.

June 4, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Carlos Torres was the only pitcher on the Vulture Save Watch for Saturday, and if you picked him up, you were probably pretty excited when the ninth inning started yesterday.  Five runs later (four earned), you were probably cursing the monkey for ruining your ERA for the day.  As we’ve said before, we can predict vulture saves, but we can’t convert them.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.

May 29, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Jacob Barnes picked up a save that was pretty much identical in every way to Adam Warren’s — the final scores of their respective games were even the same — and he remains the Brewers’ 8th-inning man.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.

May 20, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel got the night off after pitching in four of the last five games, but it was Carlos Torres who got the save opportunity over Jacob Barnes. Barnes has pitched the eighth in the last three games where all of the Milwaukee hierarchy has been available, so we still see him as Knebel’s main understudy. Both Barnes and Torres had pitched a lot recently going into last night’s game; Craig Counsell may have preferred to put the miles on the veteran.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.

May 19, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel nailed down his third save Thursday, so as promised we’re ditching the asterisk. He has been dynamite and is cementing himself as the Brewers clear 9th-inning option, while Jacob Barnes and Carlos Torres have established themselves in the 8th and 7th inning, respectively.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.

May 18, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Craig Counsell talked about using Corey Knebel in a more flexible way, but the last three close/late ninth innings have all been his. One more trip through the hierarchy in order and we’ll bid the asterisk adieu.

Hierarchy remains: *Knebel | Barnes | Torres.
* = closer-by-committee

May 13, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — When managers begin to use their relievers more optimally, their teams improve, but the result can be fantasy chaos. The latest example could be Craig Counsell’s Brewers, who demoted disappointing offseason acquisition Neftali Feliz from the closer role, but want to retain the flexibility to use the impressive Corey Knebel when needed most. This approach could open up opportunities for Jacob Barnes, Carlos Torres, and others. Last night, with Knebel unavailable after a 41-pitch outing on Thursday, Barnes got the ninth with a five-run lead. His poor performance created a save opportunity for Jared Hughes, who’s probably the fifth or sixth option going forward.

Updated hierarchy: *Knebel | Barnes | Torres.
* = closer-by-committee

May 12, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — Craig Counsell just announced that Neftali Feliz would get “a break” from closing in favor of Corey Knebel. The “break” language makes it sound like Counsell would like to return to Feliz, so we’ll leave him at #2 for now.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Feliz | Barnes.

May 12, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Closer Neftali Feliz had a forgettable series against the Red Sox, allowing four runs (3 ER) in 1.1 IP Wednesday and Thursday. Most of the damage was done on one swing – a three-run shot by Mookie Betts to turn a 1-1 game into 4-1. The outing sent Feliz’s ERA to 6.19, though for now, he’s still the team’s closer, as he has converted eight of nine save opportunities. Still, fantasy owners are starting to notice how poor Feliz has pitched and are picking up Corey Knebel, who owns a 1.00 ERA with 29 Ks in just 18 IP. Knebel is likely the next guy up for the Brewers, who may go in that direction sooner rather than later.

Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.

April 26, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Tommy Milone picked up just the second save of his career Tuesday, pitching the final three innings of a 9-1 win over the Reds. Expect a close check on Milone’s blood and urine after Tuesday’s performance, his first save since Aug. 23, 2015, when he was with the Twins.

Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.

April 21, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jacob Barnes was called upon in the ninth inning Thursday and finished the job for his first save of the year. Neftali Feliz and Corey Knebel were both unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.

April 17, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers – Jacob Barnes picked up his second hold of the season, pitching the seventh inning ahead of Corey Knebel and Neftali Feliz. He’s yet to allow a run through seven appearances this year.

Updated hierarchy: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.

March 1, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers traded the bulk of their bullpen at the deadline last year, and brought in Neftali Feliz to fill the void this year. Since Milwaukee appears to be rebuilding, Feliz could be a prime trade target if the team struggles out of the gate. Corey Knebel was lined up for the job before Feliz was signed, and will serve as the primary setup man. Veteran Carlos Torres should take the seventh inning. The 34-year-old was versatile last year, and could be the most stable part of the Brewer bullpen.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Feliz | Knebel | Torres.
Holds candidates: Knebel, Torres, Michael Blazek.

October 2, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Jacob Barnes picked up his first career save last night.  Tyler Thornburg blew the save in the ninth inning, and Carlos Torres and Corey Knebel had already pitched, so that left Barnes for the extra-innings save.

Hierarchy remains: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

September 24, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — After struggling for two weeks, Corey Knebel has six straight scoreless appearances, including two consecutive eighth-inning holds.

Updated hierarchy: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

September 11, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Corey Knebel got the call in the eighth inning last night to protect a one run lead.  Unfortunately for Brewers’ fans (and fans of any other NL team battling with the Cardinals for the wild card), Knebel was unable to get the job done.  Knebel gave up four runs while only recording one out.  Knebel has really struggled recently and Carlos Torres will likely see more time in the set-up role as a result.

Updated hierarchy: Thornburg | Torres | Knebel.

August 24, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Tuesday’s Vulture Save Watch listed just one name, Corey Knebel, and it was indeed a correct prediction. Knebel collected his first career save while Tyler Thornburg rested after throwing three innings over the last two days.

Hierarchy remains: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

August 24, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Tuesday’s Vulture Save Watch listed just one name, Corey Knebel, and it was indeed a correct prediction. Knebel collected his first career save while Tyler Thornburg rested after throwing three innings over the last two days.

Hierarchy remains: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

August 1, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Tyler Thornburg is the last man standing in the Brewers hierarchy after Milwaukee traded closer Jeremy Jeffress to Texas and also shipped Will Smith to the Giants. We think a combination of Corey Knebel and Carlos Torres will set up Thornburg for now.

Updated hierarchy: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

August 1, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – For the second straight night, Will Smith got the 8th inning ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Smith and Tyler Thornburg have been flipping back and forth depending on matchups, so if Jeffress is dealt today, a committee is the most likely outcome. If the Brewers want to pick just one man to close after a Jeffress deal, we still give Thornburg the slight edge.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Smith.

July 6, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – The mystery of Tyler Thornburg’s absence was solved Tuesday, as it was revealed that the 10-day period of rest was merely circumstantial. Thornburg appeared on Tuesday, allowing just one hit in the eighth inning of a 5-2 win. Will Smith pitched in the biggest spot of the game, however, striking out Bryce Harper with the bases loaded to end the seventh. We’ll switch Thornburg back to his spot behind Jeremy Jeffress, but don’t be surprised if Smith sees some of the eighth as well, especially if a lefty comes to the plate.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Thornburg | Smith.

July 5, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Tyler Thornburg has not pitched in a week and it is not entirely clear why. Last night Will Smith set-up Jeremy Jeffress, but there is little to suggest that Thornburg is injured or otherwise in Craig Counsell’s doghouse. Considering the fact that the Brewers batted out of order last night, pure incompetence cannot be ruled out. We’ll switch Thornburg and Smith for now.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Smith | Thornburg.

June 23, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Nobody tell Old Hoss Radbourn (678.2 IP in 1884) that Jeremy Jeffress couldn’t pitch today because of pinkeye. Whatever Jeffress’s excuse, it’s most relevant that Tyler Thornburg, not Will Smith, got the call (and the save) instead.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Thornburg | Smith.

June 3, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Welcome to Earth! Will Smith made his 2016 debut, going 1.1 innings with one hit and no runs. He is expected to eventually be eased into the closer’s role, perhaps platooning with current closer Jeremy Jeffress.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Smith | Thornburg.

June 2, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith was activated from the DL ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s game, a day earlier than expected. Manager Craig Counsell will let Smith settle in before placing him in high-leverage spots, but once Smith gets innings under his belt, expect to see the pre-injury plan of using both Smith and Jeremy Jeffress to close games.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Smith | Thornburg.

May 30, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – We figured that the Brewers would stay away from Jeremy Jeffress yesterday, but we were wrong about who would close in his place. Rather than being moved to the 9th, Tyler Thornburg stayed in his traditional spot, finishing off the 8th inning. Blaine Boyer then came on and gave up three hits and two runs in the 9th, but managed to hold on for the save. If anything happens to Jeffress long term, Thornburg (or the soon-to-return Will Smith) would be more likely than Boyer to assume the closer role, but yesterday’s game proved that Boyer is in the mix for one-off opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Thornburg | Boyer.

May 27, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Until this week’s series against the hapless Braves, the Brewers weren’t needing the help of their best late-inning relievers all too often. But then, we got a strange situation: Someone not even in the team’s back three, Carlos Torres, picked up his second straight vulture save Thursday night (as the Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted). So, what gives? Torres, who’s probably the third-in-line for Craig Counsell, got a traditional save Wednesday, but Thursday’s save was a bit more vulturey. Torres came on in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead and did his job. After the Brewers scored two in the ninth inning, Torres came back out to close things out. It’d be hard to count on Torres for another Brewers save for a while, as Jeremy Jeffress, Tyler Thornburg and Michael Blazek should all be well-rested.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

May 26, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — The top three options in the Brewers bullpen had already pitched, so Carlos Torres wound up with the 13th-inning save Wednesday night.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

May 25, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Will Smith began his minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday and, if all goes well, he should join the Brewers at the end of team’s next homestand, which concludes on June 1. Meanwhile, current closer Jeremy Jeffress picked up his 12th save last night.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

May 20, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress got the day off Thursday, opening the door for setup man Tyler Thornburg. He labored a bit in the ninth inning (2 walks, 30 pitches), but managed to retire the side for his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

May 13, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers — Will Smith’s absence from this year’s Independence Day reboot is starting to make more sense now that we know he’s been cleared to throw off a mound for the first time since tearing his LCL in March. Before the injury, Smith projected as Milwaukee’s closer. Watch your back, y’all.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

May 4, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – It was Tyler Thornburg, not Michael Blazek, who got the 8th inning on Tuesday ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Thornburg has five holds this season and has allowed a run just once in 10 appearances this season to go along with 16 strikeouts.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.

April 4, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have sustained another injury in their bullpen, this time to would-be set-up man Corey Knebel. Knebel will start the season on the DL, leaving the Brewers to mix and match in the 8th inning.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Blazek | Thornburg.

March 27, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith’s knee injury was indeed serious — he hurt it while trying to take his spikes off after a game — and he will miss a significant amount of time. It’s now likely that Jeremy Jeffress will see the lion’s share of save opportunities to start the season, while Corey Knebel will see more holds and potentially a save chance or two when Jeffress needs time off. Smith’s timetable is uncertain at this point and depends on whether he needs surgery.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Knebel | Blazek.

March 25, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith, who was set to open the season sharing the closer role with Jeremy Jeffress, has some “concerning” swelling in his knee and will undergo testing. Should the injury be serious, Jeffress’s value would increase greatly, and Corey Knebel could also benefit with extra 8th inning looks or the occasional save. We will monitor the situation closely.

Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Jeffress | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

March 18, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress may share the closer role to open the season, but right now, Smith has the better chance of taking the job and running with it. He’s been great so far this spring, and Jeffress, recovering from an injury, hasn’t pitched much.

Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Jeffress | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

March 2, 2016
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers had one of the most surprisingly stable bullpens in 2015, but the exit of Francisco Rodriguez leaves Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress singing Just the Two of Us. (We will run out of these eventually.) Smith and Jeffress will battle for the first shot at the closer role, but it will be an open competition, and Craig Counsell has already hinted at committee, saying “that’s not even a job really.” We think that Smith has the inside track, both because he has slightly better ratios and Jeffress is battling a minor injury, but this has all the makings of a dreaded closer-by-committee. Behind the frontrunners is former first round draft pick Corey Knebel, who could turn some heads this year with his swing-and-miss stuff if he can stay healthy.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Smith | Jeffress | Knebel.
Holds candidates: Jeffress, Knebel, Blazek.

September 11, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — Kyle Lohse has been in the league for 15 years, and through 400+ career appearances before this year, he never converted a save opportunity. He’s now 2-for-2 this year after protecting a one-run lead in the 13th inning last night. Francisco Rodriguez had his own chance in the 12th, but allowed a run for a blown save (but also the win). Lohse does not and should never figure into the regular late-inning plans for the Brewers.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Smith | Jeffress.

August 22, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — $11 million albatross Kyle Lohse earned his first save in a 15-year, 445-game career on Friday night, by pitching the last three innings of a 10-3 Brewers victory.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Smith | Jeffress.

August 15, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — In between plans to launch a Fresh Prince reboot, Will Smith has kept pulling up to the mound in the seventh and eighth, nudging aside Jeremy Jeffress, who has made only one appearance since August 5.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Smith | Jeffress.

July 9, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress has appeared in the 8th inning in four straight games and has not given up a run in his last nine appearances. Although his numbers are still very solid, Will Smith gave up one little run his manager Craig Counsell got scared, so Counsell has sent him to live with his aunty and his uncle in the 7th inning for now.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Jeffress | Smith.

June 18, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — Will Smith bailed out Jonathan Broxton, finishing the 8th inning for him, presumably while reminding Broxton that if you wanna ball with the kid, you should watch your step in case you fall trying to do what he did. Broxton has had a miserable season, and this latest outing ran his ERA to 7.20. Meanwhile, Jeremy Jeffress has taken the 8th inning ahead of K-Rod twice in the last week. While Broxton has the always valuable “closing experience” to fall back on, his dismal numbers would need to improve before he could really be considered ahead of Smith or Jeffress at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Smith | Jeffress.

May 23, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — Will Smith will appeal the eight-game suspension he received Friday for going clear with a rosin/sunscreen mixture, intended to keep him from getting too wicky-wicky-wild. Jeremy Jeffress, Brandon Kintzler, and Tommy Lee Jones are likely to become more relevant during Smith’s eventual absence.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

May 22, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers — Umpire Jim Joyce pulled an “Uncle Phil” and threw Will Smith out… of the game in the seventh inning Thursday due to a foreign substance found on his arm. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez asked officials to check Smith, who threw just four pitches and hit the only batter he faced before getting tossed. A suspension is possible for Smith, who hurled a bunch of profanities at Gonzalez on his way off the field.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

March 8, 2015
Milwaukee Brewers – With the resigning of Francisco Rodriguez, and the addition of Jonathan Broxton, the top two spots in the Milwaukee pen seem to be pretty well set. That’s what we thought last year as well, before a surprise appearance of K-Rod coming on to close instead of Jim Henderson. Rodriguez never looked back, and racked up 44 saves over a very solid season. This year the job is his to lose, but he has yet to report to camp. The Brewers say they are not worried, but if his absence stretches later into March we know that Ron Roenicke isn’t afraid to defy expectations. Will Smith will be the primary lefty in the pen and should see plenty of work against right handed hitters as well. If he can Focus on avoiding a mid-season lull like last year, he is a strong candidate for holds as he led the league in appearances with 78. Jim Henderson is a sleeper candidate for saves as the former closer is trying to make a comeback from a forgettable 2014.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.
Primary Holds candidates – Broxton, Smith.

September 28, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his 44th save of the season.  It was also K-Rod’s 348th career save, which moves him into 10th place all-time.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

September 19, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers, now 8-19 in their last 27 games, should be fighting with their every last breath for a shot to remain in the playoff race. Instead, they lost a 13-inning game yesterday in which their best reliever, Francisco Rodriguez, did not pitch, as he was presumably waiting for a save chance that never came. Yes, this is a site designed to help fantasy baseball owners, and those with K-Rod are probably fine with RRR’s decision to leave him in the wings while the Brewers lost yet again. But the “never pitch your closer without a lead on the road” is probably the single worst still-accepted old-school baseball stratagem out their right now, and we feel the need to rant about it at least once a season. SMH, RRR. SMH.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

September 10, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers — Milwaukee is now 1-13 over its last 14 games, with the latest loss coming on the strength of two two-out home runs surrendered by closer Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod’s 14 home runs allowed are the highest in the league for a reliever.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

September 1, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers acquired Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday and the big righty will share set-up duties with lefty Will Smith. With Francisco Rodriguez set to become a free agent next year — and Broxton under contract for $9 million — he’s among the favorites to close for the Brewers in 2015.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.

August 28, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers — Although Jeremy Jeffress struggled in the seventh last night, the former top prospect has been getting a lot of high-leverage looks for the Brewers lately. He’s moved ahead of Brandon Kintzler, whose strikeout rate is alarmingly low (4.36 K/9).

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Smith | Jeffress.

August 15, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith has had an up and down season, which we’ve been thoroughly happy to chronicle with help from his IMDB page. Right now, he’s back on the upswing, with a bunch of recent 8th inning holds to his name. Last night, Smith pitched a perfect 8th with two strikeouts and is again the most likely candidate for saves when Francisco Rodriguez needs a night off.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Smith | Kintzler.

July 30, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers — With only one earned run allowed in his first 26 innings, we started the season with Men in Black Will Smith: a man astride his craft, untouchable by mere mortals. A few hiccups in June downgraded him to Hancock — a flawed, complicated hero — and when he started July with nine runs in two innings, he had become a full-fledged Wild Wild West, worth watching only when Salma Hayek was with him. Smith climbed back up to Shark Tale (good intentions; poor aim) with some mid-July success, but after allowing three runs in a third of an inning on Tuesday night, he hit rock bottom. After Earth. Jim Henderson’s last scheduled rehab session was rained out on Tuesday, but once the Brewers activate him, Smith should transition into more of a DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Kintzler | Smith.

July 16, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Although GM Doug Melvin identified the bullpen as one possible target for improvement via trade, their best move might be the impending return of Jim Henderson from the disabled list. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

July 11, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Outside of closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Brewers bullpen has gone from sturdy to unwatchable over the past 30 days. The ERAs of their top three middle relievers have on June 11: Will Smith, 0.91; Rob Wooten, 2.91; Brandon Kintzler, 3.38. Today? Smith, 3.24; Wooten, 4.20; Kintzler, 3.86. Smith’s decline has been especially troubling, as the lefty was among the top middle relievers in the game over the first two months of the season. But his last 8 appearances have yielded 11 ERs in just 6.2 innings, including an absolute shellacking last night (5 ERs, 0 outs recorded). As it stands now, we don’t think the Brewers would hand the ball to Smith if K-Rod needed a night off. We’re not sure who would get the chance, actually, but we’ll give the nod to Kintzler for now, as a prize for regressing the least over the past month.

Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Kintzler | Smith.

May 12, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith picked up his 10th hold of the season on Sunday, pitching a clean 8th inning ahead of Francisco Rodriguez. We at Closer Monkey are excited about Smith’s ascension, as it gives us the ability to make more terrible jokes about his name. Hierarchy change: Will Smith to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

May 3, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson has been placed on the DL with a sore shoulder.  Brandon Kintzler and Will Smith could both be used in the set-up role while Henderson is out.  Hierarchy change: Rodriguez | Kintzler | Smith.

April 25, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have activated Brandon Kintzler from the DL.  Kintzler should jump right back into important spots in the 7th and 8th innings ahead of closer K-rod.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line, replacing Will Smith.

April 14, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – With Francisco Rodriguez and Jim Henderson both getting the night off, lefty Will Smith was summoned for the one-out save chance, striking out the only man he faced on three pitches.  He’s the slickest they is, but he’s unlikely to get any more save opportunities while K-Rod and Henderson are both sporting 0.00 ERAs.  No hierarchy change.

April 13, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Brandon Kintzler has been placed on the DL.  Will Smith has been getting jiggy with it so far this year, throwing 6 scoreless innings with 8 k’s, and could see more time in the later innings.  Hierarchy change: Will Smith to 2nd in line, Brandon Kintzler  to DL

March 31, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers fans and Jim Henderson owners were shocked to see Francisco Rodriguez pick up the save on Opening Day; after the game, manager Ron Roenicke apparently said that K-Rod would close and Henderson would move to middle relief until he “feels better.” Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-Up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

March 13, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers — Jim Henderson pitched very well last year and has a bobblehead giveaway to look forward to — but also has Brandon Kintzler and human bobblehead K-Rod on his heels. Ranked #21 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 9, 2014
Milwaukee Brewers
 – Jim Henderson quietly converted 28 of his 32 save opportunities last year and will begin the season as the closer for the Brewers.  Brandon Kintzler was one of the better set-up men in baseball the second half of last season.  The Brewers also brought back K-Rod and he could jump ahead of Kintzler if something happens to Henderson, based on his closing experience.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Jim Henderson, Set-up – Brandon Kintzler, 2nd in line – Francisco Rodriguez. 

September 29, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Alfredo Figaro picked up the save in extra innings last night.  Henderson, Kintzler, and Wooten had all pitched in two straight games.  No hierarchy change.

August 20, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Brandon Kintzler had a very bad night on Monday, giving up six singles and four runs on his way to a blown save. This is merely an aberration in a very good season; hitters had managed only a .202 average against him before last night. No hierarchy change.

August 14, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Rob Wooten had 20 saves at AAA this year, and he’s been used in a couple tight eighth-inning spots over the past week. Meanwhile, John Axford hasn’t gotten a hold since he imploded back in late July. Hierarchy change: Rob Wooten to 2nd in line, replacing John Axford.

August 5, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Just a week ago, John Axford was being mentioned by Ron Roenicke as a possible part-time closer, but after a dominant stretch, the beleaguered righty has now given up 6 runs in his last 3.1 innings.  He’s been dropped back to middle inning duty, while Brandon Kintzler and Mike Gonzalez have gotten all the big 7th- and 8th-inning work ahead of re-established closer Jim Henderson.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Set-up, John Axford to 2nd in line.

July 31, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — John Axford entered Tuesday afternoon’s game in the fifth inning after Yovani Gallardo left with hamstring tightness; just another reason to doubt that this is really a platoon situation. Axford has allowed four runs and eight hits in his last three appearances (1.2 IP). No hierarchy change.

July 29, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford merely had to hear his name mentioned in the same sentence as “closer,” and he’s turned back in to his old erratic self.  Since Ron Roenicke’s declaration that he’d go back and forth between Axford and Jim Henderson, Axford has given up 3 runs in 2.1 innings (and a loss last night), despite not actually getting a 9th inning save chance yet.  The value of Henderson, who has gotten two saves since the K-Rod trade, continues to grow with each Axford stumble.  No hierarchy change.

July 28, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson got the save on Saturday while John Axford gave up a run in the 8th inning.  Ron Roenicke said he was going to use both Henderson and Axford to close out games but Henderson has received both save opportunities since the K-Rod trade.  No hierarchy change.

July 24, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — As we feared, now that K-Rod is gone, Ron Roenicke told reporters before Tuesday’s game that Jim Henderson and John Axford will likely “flip-flop” future save opportunities. What can we say? The man loves him some drama. Note that Henderson pitched the ninth on Tuesday with the team down by four. Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, John Axford to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

July 23, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Francisco Rodriguez has been traded to the Orioles.  Jim Henderson should take over as closer. Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, John Axford to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

July 18, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have said that they won’t move Jim Henderson, who is well-positioned to move back into closing when they do trade Francisco Rodriguez. John Axford might be moved as well, but even if he’s not, we think he’s more likely to get save opportunities going forward than a traded K-Rod. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: BUY+ Jim Henderson, BUY John Axford, SELL Francisco Rodriguez.

July 2, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – We missed this one yesterday; thanks to a reader for pointing it out: Ron Roenicke said that in most situations, K-Rod will be his closer.  So we’re swapping them in our hierarchy and putting K-Rod on the Hot Seat for the time being, though Henderson should have the job back once K-Rod gets dealt at the deadline, which seems likely at this point.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-up. 

July 1, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – A week after Ron Roenicke insisted that Jim Henderson was his closer, Sunday’s game provided some evidence to the contrary.  Henderson pitched the 8th inning, allowing a run and blowing the save in the process, while Francisco Rodriguez was held out of the game entirely until the 13th, seeming to fulfill the classically stupid (but conventionally accepted) theory that you don’t use your closer in a tie game on the road.  K-Rod eventually took the loss in the 14th.  The Brewers haven’t been winning much, making it hard for them to establish a clear hierarchy, but Henderson’s usage has been very un-closerlike this week.  After not working for four days, he pitched the 8th inning on Thursday.  Then he got the 8th again on Saturday, in a game the Brewers were losing.  Then came last night, when he was very clearly being used as a set-up man.  It’s possible that the Brewers are just juicing up K-Rod’s trade value, but either way, the next save opp in Milwaukee will hopefully provide some additional clarity.  No hierarchy change.

June 23, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson was given the night off after pitching three days in a row and Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 300th save last night.  K-Rod has been pitching well but since manager Ron Roenicke reiterated after the game on Thursday that Henderson is the closer it looks like K-Rod will only see save opps when Henderson is unavailable for the time being.  No hierarchy change.

June 21, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – With an 8th-inning blown save last night, Jim Henderson is adding some intrigue into the closer debate in Milwaukee.  Since returning from the DL, he’s pitched five innings, allowing three runs and two home runs, while Francisco Rodriguez has strung together six straight scoreless appearances to lower his season ERA to 0.68.  Given their respective numbers, it’s no longer a guarantee that Henderson gets the job back once K-Rod gets to 300 saves.  Also last night, John Axford pitched the 9th inning in a tie game, and has been used in higher-leverage spots than Brandon Kintzler as of late.  Hierarchy change: John Axford to 2nd in line, replacing Brandon Kintzler.

June 12, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Ron Roenicke’s attempt to ease Jim Henderson back into a late-inning role got off to a rocky start on Tuesday; Henderson blew the save in the eighth, denying Francisco Rodriguez a shot at save #299.  No hierarchy change.

June 10, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Yesterday morning, after activating Jim Henderson from the disabled list, Ron Roenicke said that the Brewers would give Francisco Rodriguez a crack at reaching 300 career saves (he currently has 298) before handing the job back to Jim Henderson.  Unless Henderson has some awful outings in his temporarily-middle-relief role, he’ll return to the closer role inside a week or two, so we’ll leave him in that spot in our hierarchy with that understanding.  Yesterday, Henderson looked no worse for the wear in his first outing back from the DL, pitching a clean 9th inning in a non-save situation.  No hierarchy change.

June 9, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson was activated from the disabled list after Saturday’s game.  He should resume closing immediately.  Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

June 8, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson struck out three in a rehab appearance on Friday and said he didn’t feel any hamstring discomfort at all.  He’s likely to be activated tomorrow and will re-assume the closer role immediately.  Francisco Rodriguez did an admirable job in his place, but will have to wait a while before he gets to 300 saves.  No hierarchy change.

June 1, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect 9th inning with 2 strikeouts and picked up his second save of the season last night.  He has pitched very well since getting called up and appears to have taken control of the 9th inning while Henderson is out.  No hierarchy change.

May 28, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — For the second straight game, Mike Gonzalez pitched in the seventh inning of a game the Brewers were trailing. If this truly is a closer-by-committee situation — and we’re not convinced it is — Brandon Kintzler has the second seat at the table. Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Set-up, Mike Gonzalez to 2nd in line.

May 26, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Ron Roenicke said he is unlikely to name any single closer, but some of his afternoon comments after the Brewers officially put Henderson on the DL, combined with the way he used the bullpen in a losing effort on Saturday gave some clarity as to who might be the best for saves.  It’s not John Axford, as Roenicke was asked specifically about him and said “I like what we’re doing with Ax.  I’d like to continue to do it that way,” reinforcing his comments by sending Axford out to pitch the 8th in a losing effort yesterday.  It’s also probably not Brandon Kintzler, as Roenicke said that the young righty might “move” to the 8th inning role, which was a little confusing since Kintzler has pitched the 8th inning for the past month.  Tom Gorzelanny had also seen some 8th inning action earlier this year, but he returned from the DL to pitch the 5th inning yesterday, so he’s also out of the mix.  That leaves Francisco Rodriguez and Mike Gonzalez, who were among the only members of the bullpen who didn’t see action yesterday.  If Roenicke is being honest about not using any one player to close games, those could share duties based on matchups.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Mike Gonzalez to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

May 25, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers(UPDATE: Ron Roenicke has confirmed that Jim Henderson will be out for “a while,” and that he intends to use a committee of closers in Henderson’s absence.) After recording two outs, Jim Henderson went down with a hamstring injury, and the recently-returning Francisco Rodriguez got the last out for his first save of the season.  Henderson isn’t certain of the severity of the injury, saying after the game that he was hoping it was just a cramp.  Ron Roenicke was less optimistic though, offering that Henderson could miss a few days, and said that he could play matchups and go with a closer-by-committee until Henderson is back.  The Brewers have three pitchers with 9th inning experience: Rodriguez, Mike Gonzalez, and John Axford, but it’s been righty Brandon Kintzler who has gotten the 8th inning over the last few weeks.  If Henderson is missing time, we’ll handicap the race as follows until we hear more: Kintzler (30%), Rodriguez (30%), Axford (25%), Gonzalez (15%).  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Jim Henderson injured.

May 19, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford got the final out of the 8th inning and stayed on to pitch a scoreless 9th with the game tied.  He ended up getting the win after the Brewers scored two runs in the 10th inning, and if he continues to pitch well, he should work his way back towards the back end of the Brewers bullpen.  Hierarchy change:  John Axford to 2nd in line, replacing Burke Badenhop.

May 16, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Burke Badenhop pitched in the 7th inning last night in a game the Brewers were losing and has been surpassed on the Brewers’ threadbare depth chart by Brandon Kintzler.  Kintzler has put together a stretch of five straight scoreless outings, a span that includes two 8th-inning holds ahead of Jim Henderson.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Set-up, Burke Badenhop to 2nd in line.

May 15, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – After using Burke Badenhop and Brandon Kintzler to get through the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, Ron Roenicke went to John Axford in the eighth. Roenicke’s patience was repaid with another blown save, albeit one that managed to lower Axford’s still-astronomical ERA and WHIP. No hierarchy change.

May 13, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Tom Gorzelanny was placed on the DL over the weekend.  Brandon Kintzler picked up an 8th-inning hold earlier this week and stands to get more high-leverage chances in Gorzelanny’s absence.  Hierarchy change: Burke Badenhop to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line, Tom Gorzelanny to DL.

May 8, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — Although John Axford was jettisoned as Milwaukee’s set-up man last week, the ever-mercurial Ron Roenicke left his options open by saying that he would play the matchups. Now that Axford was bypassed in Tuesday’s 8th in favor of mediocre Brandon Kintzler, it seems this demotion might actually stick. Hierarchy change: Tom Gorzellany to Set-up, Burke Badenhop to 2nd in line.

April 25, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – After an April 9th meltdown that cost him his job and sent his ERA to 24.30, John Axford has been turning things around.  With six straight scoreless outings in which he threw a total of 5.1 innings and only allowed to baserunners, Ron Roenicke said yesterday that it wouldn’t take much for him to return Axford to the closer role.  With that comment, suddenly, the reliable Jim Henderson is now looking over his shoulder, and the Ax Man is on the verge of returning to his old role.  Hierarchy change: John Axford to Set-up, Tom Gorzelanny to 2nd in line.  Jim Henderson to Hot Seat.

April 15, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Burke Badenhop picked up a 1-out save in the 10th inning on Sunday.  Jim Henderson and Tom Gorzelanny had both already pitched.  No hierarchy change.

April 10, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford took another loss yesterday and saw his ERA balloon to 24.30.  It’s unlikely he’ll be used in a high-leverage situation any time soon, leaving the set-up spot behind Jim Henderson wide open.  Mike Gonzalez, the only other player with closer experience in the bullpen, has also struggled so far this year, and was unable to get any outs after entering in the 7th.  Last night, with both Henderson and reliable lefty Tom Gorzelanny unavailable, Ron Roenicke was actually going to use Burke Badenhop in the 9th inning if there was a save chance.  As Roenicke shakes up his hierarchy, so do we.  Hierarchy change: Tom Gorzelanny to Set-up, replacing John Axford; Burke Badenhop to 2nd in line, replacing Mike Gonzalez.

April 8, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford got a vote of confidence from manager Ron Roenicke after a rough outing on Wednesday, but after taking the loss in an extra-inning game over the weekend, it appears that Roenicke is ready to make a move.  In a save situation this afternoon against the Cubs, it was Jim Henderson who emerged from the Milwaukee bullpen, not Axford.  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had speculated on such a move this morning, and Henderson got the job done, striking out two while only allowing one hit.  Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

April 4, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford got rocked in a non-save situation on Wednesday, entering the game in the 9th inning with the Brewers down by a run and allowing three runs.  He’s now given up three home runs in just 1.2 innings this season, prompting Ron Roenicke to observe: “(His velocity) was way down.  We’ll talk to him and see how he’s doing.”  John Axford to Hot Seat.

February 24, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- John Axford, Set-up- Jim Henderson, 2nd in line- Michael Gonzalez.

September 5, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez pitched a clean 7th inning on Tuesday, picking up his 25th hold of the year. K-Rod actually was summoned a week ago for a save chance when John Axford was unavailable, and while he blew that save chance, he has reestablished himself as a late-inning reliever in the Brewers bullpen. Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line, replacing Kameron Loe.

August 25, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Kameron Loe got the last two outs of the game after John Axford couldn’t close the door on Friday. Axford returns to the Hot Seat with the bad outing, and the uncertainty continues in Milwaukee. No hierarchy change.

August 22, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has apparently regained his job as Milwaukee closer, striking out three of the four Cubs he faced in today’s ninth. “He came in and talked to me,” Roenicke said. “I don’t want to say what went on, but he’s in a place where he should be.” Brewers fans will be forgiven for wondering just how long he can stay there. Hierarchy change: John Axford to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-up.

August 22, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford earned a one-out save on Tuesday, as the Brewers used three relievers- Axford, Jim Henderson, and Manny Parra- to get through the 9th inning. Milwaukee’s big messy committee forges on, with Henderson still the most likely to get the save on any given night. No hierarchy change.

August 16, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson blew his second straight save on Wednesday, the 23rd blown save for the Brewers bullpen overall. Ron Roenicke didn’t say anything about the closer role after the game, so Henderson remains on the Hot Seat and virtually anyone is a decent candidate for the next save. Henderson and John Axford remain the best bets to seize the role for a significant period. No hierarchy change.

August 13, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Kameron Loe picked up his first save of the season as Ron Roenicke continues to follow through on his threat that everyone in the Brewers bullpen will get a shot at closing. Jim Henderson is still the best bet for saves moving on, but Loe should now be on fantasy radars. Hierarchy change: Kameron Loe to 2nd in line, replacing Francisco Rodriguez.

August 12, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – A day after inheriting the closer job from a struggling John Axford, Jim Henderson took the loss for the Brewers on Saturday night. He came on in the 9th inning and struck out the side, but then couldn’t find the plate in the 10th, as all four runners he faced reached base. Given the volatility of the Brewers bullpen and Ron Roenicke’s recent tendency to try anyone and everyone in the closer role, this outing is enough to put Henderson on notice. Jim Henderson to Hot Seat.

August 11, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford blew his 8th save of the season last night. After the game manager Ron Roenicke said that Jim Henderson was only guy in the bullpen pitching well. Roenicke also went on to say about Henderson, “We’ll give the ball to him and see what happens there.” Henderson will get a chance to close and could very well hold the job for the rest of the season if he continues to convert his chances. Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

August 9, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson picked up his second save in as many days on Wednesday, leading many to anoint him the new Milwaukee closer. But there’s been no word on the 9th inning role from Ron Roenicke since before the game on Wednesday, when he told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that “We can work them both in,” referring to Henderson and John Axford. For his part, Axford has been much better of late– he earned the win by pitching a scoreless 8th inning last night– so the next save chance will be key. If Henderson gets the call, he becomes the favorite as the reliever most likely to earn saves the rest of the year; anyone else, and Axford is still the best bet. No hierarchy change.

August 8, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson picked up his first big league save on Tuesday night, pitching a 1-2-3 inning. John Axford had thrown 29 pitches the night before, but the outing for Henderson was also well-deserved– the 29-year-old rookie now has a 1.50 ERA. Axford is still the best bet to emerge from the Brewers’ closer-by-committee, but Tuesday’s outing is a precursor for a more regular high-leverage role for Henderson. Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Set-up, Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

July 30, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers bullpen had another meltdown on Sunday, and all of their top relievers were to blame; John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Veras all gave up multiple runs. Earlier this week, Ron Roenicke declared a closer-by-committee, with several Brewers beat writers thought Axford would quickly win his job back. He’s still likely to do so before the end of the season, but the Brewers may look elsewhere for saves in the near future. No hierarchy change.

July 27, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Ron Roenicke said on Thursday that the Brewers would go with a closer-by-committee for the time being. John Axford has pitched well since being removed from the role earlier this summer, and should easily win the job back if he continues to dominate. No hierarchy change.

July 25, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez just blew his second save in three days, prompting manager Ron Roenicke to say about the closer role: “We’ll talk about it… Tomorrow, we’ll see what we’re going to do.” While Roenicke wasn’t entirely committal, many Brewers beat writers have already predicted that John Axford, who threw 2 perfect innings with 3 Ks today, will be given the 9th-inning job back tomorrow. Hierarchy change: John Axford to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

July 24, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez blew his first save since inheriting the closer job, but did so in spectacular fashion, allowing four runs to score. If he falters again, John Axford could get his old job back. Francisco Rodriguez to Hot Seat.

July 17, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said before Tuesday’s game that John Axford would be relieved of his closing duties for the time being. Francisco Rodriguez will inherit the 9th inning role, effective immediately. Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

July 12, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he would like to see how the team performs in the weeks after the break before deciding to sell. But if they do, they have several players in the bullpen that could interest contenders. John Axford has blown a handful of saves this year, and like most closers on bottom feeders, could see his value drop if he is dealt and moved into a set-up role. Francisco Rodriguez and Jose Veras have also been mentioned in trade talks, though their values are likely to rise if they (or Axford) is moved. TRADE DEADLINE BUY+: Francisco Rodriguez. BUY: Jose Veras. SELL: John Axford.

June 20, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford gave up back-to-back home runs last night, and has now given up 9 ERs in his last 5 innings pitched, a span that includes three blown saves, and a fourth outing where he needed to be bailed out by Jose Veras. While Ron Roenicke said he’s ready to make a change just yet, Axford remains on the Hot Seat, with Francisco Rodriguez and his 292 saves waiting in the wings. No hierarchy change.

June 15, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford blew his second save in two days on Thursday, and has seen his ERA jump to 5.55 after giving up 7 runs in his last three outings. He would be in more danger if the Brewers had any lights-out middle relievers, but Francisco Rodriguez- the only real threat to Axford’s job- is also having a mediocre season. Still, if Axford continues to pitch poorly, the Brewers might have to look elsewhere. John Axford to Hot Seat.

June 11, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers – After John Axford got in trouble in the 9th inning on Sunday, Jose Veras came on and got the last out, recording his first save of the season. Axford has struggled in non-save situations this year, but is 10/11 in save chances and is not in danger of losing his job. No hierarchy change.

April 11, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers- Francisco Rodriguez was called on for the save last night because– as was noted in yesterday’s vulture save watch– John Axford had thrown 53 pitches over the previous two games. No hierarchy change.

March 19, 2012
Milwaukee Brewers The Brewers re-signed Francisco Rodriguez in the offseason but John Axford is without question the closer for the Brewers. If Axford is injured, K-Rod would immediately step in as closer. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- John Axford, Set-up- Francisco Rodriguez, 2nd in line- Jose Veras.

Aug. 25, 2011
Milwaukee Brewers- Takashi Saito pitched a 1-2-3 7th inning yesterday with two strikeouts. He has better stats and more experience closing than Kameron Loe, and they used Saito in a fairly high-leverage situation yesterday. Hierarchy change: Saito to 2nd in line, replacing Loe.