Hader struck out eight of the nine batters he faced Monday to record a 2.2-inning save in the Brewers' 6-5 victory over the Reds.
Hader had already been amazing coming into the series opener, as he carried a 31:4 K:BB with just two runs allowed over 15.1 innings. But this performance was one of the greatest regular-season relief appearances of all time, with Hader's outing marking the first eight-out save in which all outs were recorded via strikeout. Corey Knebel (hamstring) is nearing a return to action, and the Brewers have been more than willing to use Hader in non-save situations, but the way the lefty is pitching, he will be one of the best fantasy relievers out there even if he isn't used in a traditional closer's role. Hader's 39 strikeouts have him tied for 23rd in the majors among all pitchers, an eye-popping total that has powered Hader to a 1.00 ERA and 0.50 WHIP.