April 17, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever
David Bednar had another scoreless outing and picked up his third hold in his appearance with Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday night, tossing a shutout inning with one hit allowed, no walks and two strikeouts. After allowing four runs (three earned) and four hits in just one inning of work for the Pirates to start the year before being demoted to the minors, the 30-year-old veteran has now posted five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and no walks for Indy. Bednar had a rough 2024 campaign, too, posting a bloated 5.77 ERA (4.80 FIP), a 1.42 WHIP, 23 saves, 58 strikeouts and 28 walks in 57 2/3 innings pitched. He appears to be regaining confidence in the minors, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to regain the closer's role in Pittsburgh from
Dennis Santana whenever he rejoins the big-league roster.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
April 1, 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher
David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the Pirates promoted right-handed pitching prospect
Thomas Harrington to the major leagues and designated catcher
Jason Delay for assignment. Bednar has had a difficult start to the 2025 season after having similar struggles in 2024. Through three appearances this season, Bednar has tallied just three outs and lost two games. He has earned one save and allowed four hits and three earned runs. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a 5.77 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 57 2/3 innings. He blew seven saves and took eight losses. Fantasy managers should monitor his production at Triple-A as he attempts to turn the corner. While he is in the minor leagues,
Colin Holderman and
Dennis Santana will likely see the majority of save opportunities.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pittsburgh Pirates
March 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates closer
David Bednar recorded the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Marlins, although it wasn't a clean one. In a 4-1 game in the ninth, the 30-year-old walked the first batter he faced, then gave up a two-run home run on the very next pitch before eventually getting the next three batters out (one strikeout). It was the righty's second appearance of the season, with the first coming on Thursday when he came on in a tie ballgame only to surrender two hits, a walk (no strikeouts), and a run, taking the loss in the contest. Bednar had been on shaky ground as it was after posting a 5.77 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and seven blown saves that cost him the closer role late last year, so we'll see if another reliever is given the next opportunity. The Pirates don't have another great closer option waiting in the wings, however, so Bednar's job may be safe for now.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
March 16, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher
David Bednar is expected to be the primary closing option for the team heading into the regular season. However, Pirates' manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that there isn't an official closer right now. The assumption is that Bednar will get the first crack at saves considering he's a two-time All-Star in that role. However, he struggled last season with a 5.77 ERA across 62 appearances. It hasn't gone any better for him in spring training with a 14.40 ERA across five outings. The right-hander could quickly be removed from high leverage spots if he continues to struggle early in the season. The team will likely use a committee approach if Bednar struggles, so there's no clear fantasy option right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Noah Hiles
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