Houston Astros closer Josh Hader gets saves against all 30 teams

It was a text message from a friend, Hader said, who told him of the importance of his latest rescue. Hader became the 19th pitcher in MLB history to record a save against all 30 league franchises.

“I think it’s really cool,” Hader said Saturday afternoon. “Especially the way I started getting multiple innings and as a middle reliever, and finally being able to transition into a full-time closer position, it’s something you look forward to. Obviously, as we grow up, we look at the big fences. So to be a little bit – I wouldn’t even say close to them – but to be able to do something like that, it’s pretty cool.

The evolution of the closer role and the introduction of interleague play – and now a balanced schedule – make this a relatively modern step. Four pitchers who reached it before Hader remain active: Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Edwin Díaz.

The others: Rick Aguilera, Armando Benitez, Brian Fuentes, Kevin Gregg, LaTroy Hawkins, Jason Isringhausen, José Mesa, Jonathan Papelbon, Rafael Soriano, Huston Street, Ugueth Urbina, José Valverde and Bob Wickman, according to MLB research.

That Hader completed it against Milwaukee is both sensible and serendipitous. The left-hander spent more than five major league seasons with the Brewers, recording his first 125 career saves with them, and had faced his former team only twice before Friday. Both outings came in non-shutdown situations for the Padres last season.

“To seal the deal (against) the Brew Crew, it’s bittersweet, I guess you could say,” Hader said. “But it’s kind of funny how it all happens.”

The fact that this happened with the Astros adds to the irony. Hader, drafted in 2012 by the Orioles, spent two years in Houston’s minor league system before the Astros traded him to the Brewers in a seven-player deal in 2015. Hader returned to the Astros for a five-year, $95 million contract. January, reflecting his evolution into one of baseball’s most dominant farmers.

Hader’s first month as an Astro was surprising. He posted a 6.39 ERA in 13 outings through April 30, with two saves in three opportunities. In his last six outings, Hader allowed one run and two hits and struck out 10 batters in 7⅓ innings. Four of those outings were saves.

On Friday, Hader inherited a one-run lead and worked a flawless ninth inning, retiring Joey Ortiz on a lineout to right field, Blake Perkins on a pop-up and Miller on a strikeout. It was just Hader’s third stop at Minute Maid Park this season, meaning a rare chance for the Astros to use their stadium effects for his entrance, including turning off the lights.

“I think last night was pretty crazy,” Hader said. “The lights went out and everyone started screaming, which put me in my exhaustion zone. I think that’s the entertainment part. We’re artists in this game. …So adding that to the show strengthens it a little bit. Anything that gets the crowd moving, I’m into it.