Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been removed from the closer role, according to manager Derek Shelton. The 29-year-old has put together an awful 2024 season after back-to-back All-Star campaigns ahead of this season. This news isn't shocking considering Bednar has a 10.80 ERA with a 2.49 WHIP over his last 12 outings. The Pirates have seen enough after Bednar gave up five earned runs during his most recent outing against the Chicago Cubs. Shelton says the team plans to use a committee approach going forward. Aroldis Chapman figures to be the favorite to get save chances given his experience in that role.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar imploded once again in Wednesday afternoon's loss to the visiting division-rival Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, allowing five runs and taking his sixth blown save of the season in the defeat. Summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning, Bednar gave up two hits and three walks while recording just two outs on 28 pitches before being mercifully pulled from Wednesday's disastrous outing against the Cubs. Besides tallying 23 saves for the Pirates this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has struggled all year long in Pittsburgh, posting a 6.32 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 47 frames. It wouldn't be surprising to see veteran southpaw Aroldis Chapman get more save chances going forward.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar earned the save in Friday evening's series-opening win over the visiting Seattle Mariners at PNC Park. Bednar gave up one run on two hits but struck out three batters on Friday against Seattle, freezing Mariners infielder Justin Turner to earn his 21st save of the year and secure the Pirates' 5-3 win in the ninth inning. The 29-year-old veteran right-hander has registered a shaky 5.83 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 44 punchouts and 15 walks while converting 21 of his 26 save opportunities across 41 1/3 frames (44 appearances) as Pittsburgh's stopper this year.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar took another blown save and a loss on Thursday, allowing three runs to the San Diego Padres in what eventually was a 7-6 loss. Bednar just didn't have it tonight, as he allowed two hits and two walks while only recording two outs. Bednar had gotten back to form after a rough April, but he seems to have lost it again lately, allowing 6 runs in his last four appearances while blowing back-to-back save opportunities. With Aroldis Chapman rounding into form and the Pirates quickly falling out of playoff contention, the team could make a change to try and salvage their hopes. Chapman is worth a speculative add in deeper formats where saves are hard to come by.
The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated closer David Bednar (oblique) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned right-hander Ryder Ryan to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move to make room for Bednar on the active roster. Bednar will return to the Pirates' bullpen after missing around three weeks with an oblique strain. The 29-year-old could be eased back into late-inning, high-leverage situations, but eventually he'll retain primary closing duties for the Bucs, with veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman returning to a setup role. Bednar tossed a scoreless innings in just one minor-league rehab outing with Double-A Altoona earlier this week and was deemed ready to come off the IL. The two-time All-Star has struggled to a 5.17 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in his 34 relief outings in 2024, but he also has 16 saves after posting a league-high 39 saves in 2023.
David Bednar Picks Up A Hold In First Rehab Outing
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (oblique) made his first minor-league rehab outing with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday and pitched a clean inning to pick up a hold. Bednar didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out one batter. Bednar is getting close to returning from the injured list, but with the All-Star break coming next week, it wouldn't be a surprise if he stays on his rehab assignment until the start of the second half of the season. When he's back with Pittsburgh, the 29-year-old year will return to being the team's primary closing option late in games. He has gone 3-3 this year with an ugly 5.17 ERA AND 1.12 WHIP, but he's also saved 16 games and has a grand total of 74 saves the last three years combined. Until Bednar returns, left-handed veteran Aroldis Chapman will function as the Pirates' closer.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (oblique) will start his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday. Bednar threw a successful bullpen session over the weekend and will now pitch in minor league games after missing over two weeks with a left-oblique strain. It remains to be seen how many outings the 29-year-old right-hander will make in the minors before coming off the injured list. It's possible he could rejoin Pittsburgh's bullpen this weekend, but don't be surprised if the Bucs play it safe and bring Bednar back for the start of the second half of the season after next week's All-Star break. When he returns, Bednar will continue his role as the club's primary closer, moving veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman back to his late-inning setup role. If Bednar is available for some reason on your league's waiver wire, pick him up and stash him now.
Pittsburgh Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said that closer David Bednar (oblique) is playing catch out to 120 feet and will throw from the slope of a mound in the coming days. Bednar is throwing once again after going on the 15-day injured list on June 23 with an oblique strain. It wouldn't be a surprise if the 29-year-old right-handed reliever isn't ready to come off the injured list when he's eligible, but he still has a chance to rejoin the back of Pittsburgh's bullpen before the All-Star break in mid-July. The two-time All-Star has a rough 5.17 ERA on the year but also sports a 1.12 WHIP and 16 saves as the Pirates' primary closer when healthy, making him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues. Veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman will continue to see most of the team's save opportunities while Bednar is out.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (side) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday afternoon with left side tightness. He was unavailable for Saturday's game and clearly needs extra time to recover. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined for. Bednar has been more sporadic than normal in 2024 as evidenced by his 5.17 ERA, but he has still converted 16-of-19 save opportunities and produced a 9.19 K/9. Aroldis Chapman should be the main beneficiary in Bednar's absence as he collected the save on Saturday. Chapman owns a 4.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, two saves, 13 holds and 45:27 K:BB this season. He is a worthwhile pickup for fantasy managers that are desperate for saves in the short term.
David Bednar Unavailable Saturday, Dealing With Left-Side Soreness
Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (side) was unavailable Saturday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays, per manager Derek Shelton. He is dealing with left-side soreness. Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth and earned his second save. Bednar has three wins, 16 saves, a 5.17 ERA, and 32 strikeouts in 31 innings. It is unknown how serious the injury is or how long Bednar might be out. Should he miss any time, look for Chapman to fill in for him in the short term.
David Bednar
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