While we await word on the severity of Corey Knebel  ’s injury, Fantasy owners at this point should be preparing for the worst. Wherever and however you invested in the Brewers Closer looks like a disastrous investment, but before you jump ship let’s take a look at who you should be targeting on the Brewers to replace him.  Brewers Manager Craig Counsell has said the 9th will be a committee, but that could quickly become one guy. Let’s dive in on the situation and who could be in line to save your and their crew this season.

1. Jacob Barnes  

Barnes could be the first in line to replace Knebel, considering the fact he was called on by Craig Counsell on opening day to nail down the team’s first save after Knebel blew it last week. Barnes as of Friday hadn’t given up a run in this early part of the season, and dating back to 2017 had struck out 10 batters per 9 innings pitched. Aside from one miserable four Earned Run outing against the Reds in early September, Barnes had a solid 2017 campaign and has closer “stuff”. Barnes didn’t give up an earned run in his first twelve outings last season. It’s pretty evident as the season wore on, so did he.

Analysis: Should be added in all NL Only, 15 team and 12 team mixed leagues. In leagues with FAAB Budget 20%.

2. Matt Albers  

Albers was lights out last year for the Nationals when he wasn’t asked to close out the 9th inning with the Nationals. Albers is also on his 8th team and has been in the league 13 seasons. He isn’t a terrible option should Barnes fail, considering he is unlikely to melt under pressure, but the Brewers can do better. Albers’ 9.3 K per 9 last season was an outlier in terms of his career which is unlikely to repeat. He is the type if you lose out on Barnes and perhaps other this week you can stash and hope the guy ahead of him fails.

Analysis: Should be added in all NL Only formats. Mixed leagues probably not. A few bucks of FAAB in NL only.

3. Jeremy Jeffress  

Jeffress is a bit intriguing due to the fact he saved 27 games for Craig Counsell with the Brew Crew in 2016. Since then things have not gone particularly well. Jeffress’ walk rate went way up with the Texas Rangers, and even when he returned to Milwaukee last season, his overall numbers would indicate some luck was involved in his success. He also gave up 10 long balls last season. This is Jeffress third go around with the Brewers and if Barnes or Albers fails, he could be in the mix. This gives him NL only value and in deeper mixed leagues he may be worth a stash. Counsell does have some familiarity with him which puts him on par with Albers for the moment.

Analysis: Should be added in all NL Only formats Mixed leagues same as Albers A few bucks of FAAB in NL only.

4. J.J. Hoover  

Things would really have to fall off the rails for Hoover to get a shot here, but he does have a ton of big league experience and pitched well last year with the Diamondbacks. Currently, Hoover sits in Colorado Springs but could join the big league club to replace Knebel, or a future injury down the line. Hoover whiffed 54 batters in 41 innings last season with Arizona, and has been in the closer conversation before. Stranger things have happened at the closer position in fantasy, so if he does get called up, monitor his progress.

Analysis: Monitor, do not add in any league

5. Josh Hader  

It’s pretty clear at this point Craig Counsell does not want to use Josh Hader   as his closer, and he does profile as a future starter in the big leagues. He is probably owned in most formats anyway but he is certainly worth mentioning here and is probably the most talented pitcher on this list. If for some reason he is on the waiver wire in any format he should be added for the ratios alone. Perhaps he ends up like Padres Closer Brad Hand   in the 9th inning at some point but that doesn’t appear to be the plan yet.

Analysis: Probably already owned in your league, if not grab him.