TAMPA -- The Pirates know that David Bednar is going to be an integral piece of their bullpen in 2025, just as he has been for most of the past four seasons.
But right now, the Bucs need to cure what¡¯s ailing him on the mound.
On Tuesday, the club optioned Bendar to Triple-A Indianapolis to open a roster spot for right-hander Thomas Harrington on the active roster. Harrington, ranked as Pittsburgh¡¯s No. 3 prospect and the No. 78 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, made his MLB debut in the Bucs' 7-0 loss to the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
¡°It¡¯s a challenging conversation just because of who David is as a person and what he's done over the course of his time with the Pirates," manager Derek Shelton said. ¡°But more importantly, I think it's important for us -- we¡¯ve got to get him right."
Shelton declined to name a specific pitcher who will take over Bednar¡¯s role as Pittsburgh¡¯s closer.
The 30-year-old Bednar was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and he was acquired by his hometown team prior to the 2021 season as part of the three-team trade that sent Joe Musgrove from the Pirates to the Padres.
Over the next few seasons, Bednar turned into a fan favorite with his Pittsburgh roots, his use of the Styx song ¡°Renegade¡± as his entrance music and his ability to close the door in the ninth. From 2022-23, Bednar saved 58 games, including a National League-best 39 in ¡®23. He posted a 2.27 ERA over those 119 innings and a 23% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He was selected to the All-Star Game in each of those years.
But Bednar has really struggled since the start of 2024, highlighted by a 6.14 ERA and a 10.7% K-BB rate. In his three appearances so far this season, Bednar has permitted four hits, two walks and four runs (three earned) over an inning of work.
¡°It seems like what the pitch mix is, pitch locations, whether it's a delivery thing -- all those things are what our pitching group will focus on and talk to David,¡± Shelton said.