Houston Astros closer Josh Hader has been recognized as the American League reliever of the month for August, a testament to his outstanding performance during the month. The announcement was made by the league on Thursday, highlighting Hader's remarkable achievement of not allowing a single run in 13 appearances throughout August.
During this impressive stretch, Hader pitched a total of 14 and one-third innings, during which he surrendered only four hits and issued one walk while striking out 15 of the 48 batters he faced. His dominance on the mound was further underscored by his perfect record in save opportunities, successfully converting all seven of his chances.
This accolade marks the ninth time in Hader's career that he has received the reliever of the month award, placing him second on the all-time list for most such honors. The only pitcher ahead of him is Edwin Díaz, who has garnered 10 awards since the inception of the reliever of the month recognition in 2005.
Hader's performance this season has been particularly noteworthy given that he missed the first two months while recovering from an injury. As of Thursday, he boasts a remarkable 0.72 ERA across 38 appearances, maintaining a perfect 22-for-22 record in save opportunities. His opponents have struggled against him, managing only a .111 batting average, while Hader has maintained an impressive strikeout rate of 35.8%.
In addition to his recent accolade, Hader reached a significant milestone last month when he made his 500th career appearance. He is one of only three pitchers to have earned the reliever of the month award while playing for three different teams, having previously received this honor while with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. The other two pitchers who share this distinction are Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel.
As Hader continues to excel in his role as the Astros' closer, his contributions will be crucial for the team's success as they push through the remainder of the season. With his ability to perform under pressure and consistently deliver in high-stakes situations, Hader remains a key figure in the Astros' bullpen and a vital asset as they aim for postseason success.
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