Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar picked up his third save of the season in Monday's 4-2 win over the Brewers. Bednar came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by two. He got the first out on a flyout, allowed a single, and got the final two outs on another flyout and a strikeout. The 29-year-old has now only converted half of his save opportunities with a 10.13 ERA, but his strikeout numbers have been solid with a 12.38 K/9 rate. Fantasy managers shouldn't panic this early in the season given Bednar's track record over the past couple of seasons.

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.

Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander David Bednar (lat) struck out one over a scoreless inning in Saturday's 9-3 win over the Miami Marlins. Bednar was unavailable for Opening Day due to a lat injury but made his season debut on Saturday. The southpaw looked sharp, needing just 14 pitches to make quick work of the Marlins. The 29-year-old remains Pittsburgh's primary closer after racking up 39 saves in 2023. In the team's only save opportunity this season, the Pirates turned to Jose Hernandez, but Bednar was unavailable in the Opening Day win over Miami. With Bednar back on the mound, fantasy managers can safely start him in all leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said closer David Bednar (lat) was unavailable in Thursday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Miami Marlins as part of his rehab from the lat issue he dealt with during spring training. Fantasy managers may have thought Bednar was over the injury after the 29-year-old right-hander was able to make two Grapefruit League appearances to close out the spring, but Bednar is still nursing the problem. It puts his availability into question for Friday's game against Miami as well, but it sounds like the All-Star stopper is just day-to-day. While Jose Hernandez ended up nabbing an Opening Day save on Thursday, it needs to be noted that Aroldis Chapman was summoned for the ninth inning and retired to top of the Marlins' batting order. Chapman is worth a speculative add on waiver wires until Bednar is out of the woods health-wise.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (lat) is making his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 29-year-old reliever came down with lat tightness earlier this month, which is why he hasn't pitched in a Grapefruit League game until Thursday. Now that he's getting into spring training action, he's optimistic that he'll be ready for Opening Day on March 28 next Thursday, but there's a chance that the Pirates ease him in early in the year to avoid overworking him on back-to-back days. Regardless, Bednar has proven to be one of the best relievers in the game the last two years and led the league in saves in 2023 with 39. Despite pitching for the Pirates, Bednar should be considered a top-10 fantasy closer.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (lat) threw live batting practice on Monday and said that his next step is likely to appear in games. "I'm staying day-by-day as much as I possibly can," Bednar said. "But each day has been feeling good. I'm optimistic." Bednar has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game this spring due to right-lat soreness, but he's optimistic that he'll be ready by Opening Day next Thursday on March 28. When healthy, he's a top-10 fantasy closer, as he's been one of the best relievers in the game the last two years. He was 3-3 with a career-best 2.00 ERA with a league-high 39 saves and 80 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings in 2023. The Pirates could be conservative with Bednar early on, perhaps not using him on back-to-back days, instead using lefty veteran Aroldis Chapman in those spots.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar (lat) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in camp on Friday. Bednar felt some right-lat tightness at spring training earlier this month, and his mound session on Friday will be his first time throwing since the injury cropped up. The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to debut in a spring training game this year because of the injury, but because he's a reliever and not a starter, he still has ample time to prepare to be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Despite pitching for the lowly Pirates, Bednar is considered a top-10 fantasy closer, and that shouldn't change unless it's announced that he's going to start the year on the injured list. If Bednar misses any time in 2024 due to injury, veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman would likely take over closing duties for the Bucs.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton reported on Sunday that everything went well after closer David Bednar (lat) played catch for a second straight day. Bednar continues to deal with lat tightness after Pittsburgh shut the right-hander down from throwing last Monday, but the Pirates just seem to be taking a cautious route with their All-Star stopper this spring after he led the National League with 39 saves a year ago and attained a 2.00 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 80:21 K:BB during 67 1/3 innings. While Bednar doesn't appear to be facing any kind of lengthy absence to start the year, setup man Aroldis Chapman should probably stay rostered in fantasy leagues in the meantime just to be safe. Bednar may not be getting selected as a top-tier closing option but is a fairly safe bet at his 91.2 Yahoo ADP, while Chapman is worth a speculative flier in all settings until Bednar is fully healthy.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and closer David Bednar (lat) are playing it safe in spring training and he's currently not throwing, but the good news is he doesn't seem too worried about the severity of his injury. "Hopefully will be back soon," Bednar said. Manager Derek Shelton said on Sunday that Bednar is dealing with right-lat tightness after feeling it the other day in his throwing program. The Pirates will continue to monitor it, and fantasy managers should do the same. There's still several weeks before Opening Day, but as a precaution, Bednar may be forced to open the season on the injured list, which would pave the way for veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman to take over closing duties in his first year with the club. Despite pitching for the lowly Pirates, Bednar has easily been a top-10 fantasy closer the last two seasons.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (lat) appears to have suffered an injury while throwing this week. Pirates' manager Derek Shelton mentioned that Bednar is currently dealing with right lat tightness. It doesn't sound like the organization is concerned about Bednar missing time due to the issue. The Pirates will monitor the issue, but Bednar has plenty of time to get healthy before Opening Day. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about Bednar's health heading into April.

Despite the offseason addition of left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and his seven All-Star selections, Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander David Bednar remains the team's primary closer heading into the 2024 season. Bednar, who has been an All-Star each of the last two years himself, received a call from manager Derek Shelton after Chapman's signing, reassuring him of his role. The 29-year-old has saved 58 games while posting a strong 2.27 ERA in 111 appearances for Pittsburgh the last two years. His 39 saves in 2023 were more than double the previous year and were tied for second in the majors. Bednar's role remains pretty secure despite the presence of Chapman, and he's still a top-10 fantasy closer, even though the Pirates are one of the weaker teams in baseball.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar logged his 39th save in his team's last regular season game. Bednar shut down the Marlins as Pittsburgh picked up the 3-0 victory on Sunday. The 28-year-old right-hander was phenomenal in 2023, posting a record of 3-3, an ERA of 2.00 and a 1.10 WHIP in 67/1 innings of work. He converted on 39 of 42 save attempts while striking out 80 opposing batters.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar picked up the save on Thursday, finishing off a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Bednar allowed just a walk and struck out two in his inning of work. The 28-year-old has been excellent for the Pirates this season, pitching to a 2.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 78 strikeouts in 66 IP. He has converted 38 of his 41 save opportunities. Bednar will likely be back with the Buccos next year in the same role, giving him plenty of value. He should be drafted among the elite relief options.

Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar collected his 36th save of the season on Sunday, shutting down the New York Yankees in a 3-2 win. Bednar struck out the side in his inning of work, allowing just a hit. Bednar has been a bit of an under-the-radar stud, with the fourth-most saves in the MLB to go along with an elite 1.86 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. The righty also has 72 strikeouts in 63 IP for good measure. Although he will be drafted highly next year among relievers, he still might fall further than his numbers suggest he should given his team context.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar picked up his 35th save of the season as his team defeated the Nationals 2-0. After a rough outing Wednesday, Bednar recovered and cruised through the ninth frame in Thursday's contest. The 28-year-old has been lights out this season, converting on 35 of 38 save attempts. He's also posted a 3-2 record with an excellent 1.89 ERA. In 62 innings pitched, the Pirates closer has fanned 69 opposing team batters in 2023.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander David Bednar was tasked with the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, and he shut the door, allowing one hit and no runs with a strikeout to earn the save. It was his 29th save of the season to go along with a 2.13 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 63 punchouts across 55 innings of work. Bednar has quietly been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball the past few seasons, and despite pitching for a 61-73 Pirates club, he's a great fantasy option in all formats.