Axford finally gets another save: Brewers closer John Axford had gone almost two weeks without a save chance heading into Wednesday’s game against the Giants, as the Brewers have been struggling to put wins together. However they were holding an 8-5 lead heading into the ninth inning on Wednesday and turned to Axford for his first save chance since blowing his first save of the season, and Axford finished the job quickly and quietly. He needed just 11 pitches to record a groundout and a pair of strikeouts to pick up his seventh save of the season in an 8-5 Brewers win. (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/24/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Axford had a streak of 49 straight saves blown in his last opportunity, and it took 12 days for him to get another chance. This was his first save opportunity in 19 days as well. He has struggled some this season, posting a 1.63 WHIP and 4.11 ERA, however he does have 26 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings, so he has not had much trouble overpowering hitters. The Brewers should begin winning more games moving forward, giving him more chances to pick up saves, so keep him active in most formats. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/14/2012 19:26 Mets, Nationals don't change closers -- and that's news
It's been an awful first couple of months for closers, with half the teams in baseball already making changes because of either injury or ineffectiveness. So it was newsworthy Monday that the Mets and Nationals didn't make a change -- at least not yet.
05/13/2012 15:20 Note turns Brewers' Axford into social media star
Having just blown his consecutive saves streak and getting ready to rush to the hospital with his pregnant wife going into early labor, Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford took a few seconds to scribble a note to reporters explaining why he wasn't around to take questions.
05/12/2012 01:46 Hart lifts Brewers over Cubs in 13th
Corey Hart hit an RBI single in the 13th inning to give the Milwaukee Brewers an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
05/12/2012 01:43 John Axford loses consecutive save streak, leaves note for media
John Axford's consecutive save streak of 49 games was broken by the Cubs Friday night, but the Brewers closer still used a sense of humor when having to leave the ballpark to tend to his pregnant wife.
05/09/2012 16:13 Reds top Greinke, give Dusty key win
Johnny Cueto showed he could hold his own in a duel with one of baseball's toughest pitchers at home, Zack Greinke. Joey Votto and the Cincinnati Reds then found a way to give Dusty Baker his 1,500th victory.
After converting 24 of 27 saves with a 2.48 ERA in 2010, John Axford took the closer's role last season and did not look back. Although he blew two of his first five saves, he converted 43 straight after that and finished tied for the NL lead with 46 saves on the year. He also posted a 1.95 ERA in 74 appearances with an 86-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His 1.16 WHIP over the last two seasons shows that he is very good at keeping runners off base, which has made him a solid closer for the Brewers. The right-hander should be in for another productive campaign in 2012 as Milwaukee will again contend for the NL Central crown and has a rotation that should get Axford the lead more often than not. Consider Axford a Top 5 Fantasy relief pitcher on Draft Day, worthy of being taken in the early rounds. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start