How Should Houston Astros Use Josh Hader?
Depth is a good problem to have in any sport, especially baseball. With so many games and endless matchups to exploit, it usually helps to have as many quality players at every position as possible.
The Houston Astros seem to have an overcrowded bullpen heading into 2024, especially on the back end. They already had a pretty good relief corps before adding All-Star closer Josh Hader to the mix.
Now the question becomes who will handle the ninth inning for Houston?
The team already has a quality closer in Ryan Pressly, not to mention other outstanding relievers like Bryan Abreu.
How will new manager Joe Espada navigate the late innings, especially since he refused to name Hader as his new closer?
MLB insider Jon Morosi shared his thoughts in an interview for MLB Network on Monday.
Given Pressly's recent success in the ninth inning, Morosi seems to agree with Espada's decision not to strip him of his closer role just yet. Pressly has racked up 90 saves over the past three seasons while posting a 2.94 ERA and an 11.1 K/9.
Those are dominant numbers, so why mess with him?
Morosi also highlights Hader's ability to get more than three outs, which makes him a versatile fireman who can come into a jam in the seventh or eighth inning if needed.
The insider mentions the platoon difference as well. Hader is left-handed while Pressly is right-handed, which allows Espada to mix and match as needed.
As long as both pitchers are okay with it, it probably makes sense to have them share closing duties. If it ultimately nets them a World Series ring, they probably won't mind giving up a few save opportunities.
