David Bednar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar pitched a perfect inning to secure his sixth save in Tuesday's 9-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Pittsburgh native landed ten of 14 pitches for strikes to notch back-to-back scoreless outings. Bednar was tasked with facing the top of the D-Backs lineup and quickly induced Corbin Carrol into a four-pitch strikeout before battling Geraldo Perdomo (fly out) and getting Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to chase on some high cheese to slam the door. The 30-year-old was sent down to the minors earlier this season after a poor showing to start the year, and was solid upon his return in mid-April. However, he's sporting a 4.66 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 11 May appearances. Bednar's strikeout rate is up in 2025 (32.4%), but it's a situation worth monitoring for now.

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever David Bednar shut the door Tuesday night, preserving a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds for his fourth save in as many chances. After allowing a leadoff single to Reds outfielder TJ Friedl, Bednar induced a double play and ended the game with a flyout off the bat of shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Despite a strong April, the 30-year-old has a 4.91 ERA in May. On the season, he holds an (0-4) record with a 5.02 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, four saves, three holds, and 21 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings. Bednar will look to regain consistency for a struggling Pirates team heading into June.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday. The 30-year-old was optioned to the minors after allowing four earned runs across three appearances early in the season. Since then, Bednar has tossed five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts over five appearances. Dennis Santana has been operating as the closer lately, so it's unclear if Bednar will take over the role. The expectation is Bednar will move back into a high-leverage role, but he might not get a ton of save opportunities right away. Bednar is worth monitoring in fantasy leagues, but isn't a must-have player right now.