David Bednar's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar locked down the ninth inning for his second save of the season on Friday in a 5-2 win over the Phillies. After blowing three save opportunities already in the early going, manager Derek Shelton stayed true to his word that Bednar would still be the one he'd call on if a save opportunity arose in Philadelphia, and Bednar answered the call by pitching a clean inning. The 29-year-old didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out one in the appearance. Hopefully the righty is back on track now. The Pirates (10-4) are a surprisingly competitive team thus far so they'll need Bednar to lock down more games for them. He did so last season for them 39 times to the tune of a 2.00 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 21.3% K-BB%. So far in 2024, he holds a 10.13 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 23.1% K-BB%.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said on 93.7 The Fan that right-hander David Bednar would still be the closer if a save situation arises on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener. After missing some time in spring training due to a lat injury, Bednar hasn't looked like himself in the early going in 2024 and has already blown three saves while giving up six earned runs on six hits (one home run) while walking one and fanning six in 4 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star's command just isn't where he needs it to be right now, but it's good news for his fantasy managers that Shelton isn't panicking just yet. The fact that Bednar has been one of the best closers in baseball the last couple years has bought him a longer leash, but if his struggles continue, lefty Aroldis Chapman could start seeing some save chances.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar blew Tuesday's save in the 5-3 loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers, imploding for four runs on three hits and one walk while recording only one out. Summoned in the ninth inning to protect a 3-1 lead, Bednar spoiled a gem by starter Martin Perez after allowing a leadoff walk to Riley Greene, three RBI singles, and two hit by pitches before Roansy Contreras took over to retire the next two batters. After taking the loss, Bednar's ERA ballooned to 12.46 to go with a 1.62 WHIP over his 4 1/3 innings of work this year. The 29-year-old All-Star right-hander should have a considerable leash as Pittsburgh's closer after leading the National League with 39 saves a year ago, but it can't help his cause that setup man Aroldis Chapman has rattled off 4 1/3 scoreless frames with eight strikeouts to begin the campaign. It wouldn't hurt fantasy managers to see if Chapman is available on waiver wires.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar threw a perfect ninth inning in a 7-4 win over the Washington Nationals to secure his first save of the season. Bednar had his stuff working in this one, striking out a pair while not allowing a baserunner. Although the Pirates are 6-1 so far, Bednar has only had two save opportunities and he blew his other one, so it was nice to see him convert here. If the Pirates continue to play well, Bednar could come close to his whopping 39-save season from last year. He is an elite option in fantasy.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar wasn't able to hold back the Miami Marlins on Sunday, blowing the save in what turned out to be a 9-7 victory. Bednar was tasked with holding onto a one-run lead, but gave up a one-out solo homer to Nick Gordon. That was the only baserunner he allowed in his inning of work, and he also struck out a pair, so it wasn't all bad for the 29-year-old. Hunter Stratton picked up the save an inning later, but the job should still belong to Bednar, who was stellar in the role last year.