The 250 saves are only the starting point: the quality of his results and the pace at which he has reached this mark place Hader among the most dominant relievers of his generation.
His last two starts have been dominant, but his ability to get through the lineup a second time may be even more important for a rotation that needs stability.
The recent signs point to one important shift: the pitches opponents had been using to neutralize José Altuve are no longer giving them the same advantage.
The Houston Astros haven't found another franchise cornerstone in the first round since its golden era of drafting, but that could change this weekend.