PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates placed two-time All-Star closer David Bednar on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a strained left oblique, retroactive to June 20.

Bednar last pitched on June 19, working a 1-2-3 ninth inning against the Reds to earn his 16th save of the season. Bednar would be eligible to be activated on July 4.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton called on Aroldis Chapman on Saturday to close out a 4-3 victory over the Rays. Following a 3-1 loss to the Rays on Sunday, Shelton said the veteran left-hander and setup man Colin Holderman will handle closing duties while Bednar is out.

¡°We have two guys in the back with Holderman and Chapman that can both do it, so I think it will depend on the situation,¡± Shelton said.

Chapman has 323 career saves, third among active pitchers and 21st on the all-time list. Holderman gave up two runs in the eighth inning on Sunday to take the loss, but is having an outstanding season with a 1.30 ERA in 29 games.

Bednar has converted 15 straight saves after blowing three of his first four opportunities this season. Overall, Bednar is 3-3 with a 5.17 ERA in 34 games.

Bednar had 39 saves last season, tied for the National League lead with the Giants¡¯ Camilo Doval.

Holderman feels the bullpen can hold down the fort until Bednar returns.

¡°That¡¯s just what we do.¡± Holderman said. ¡°Next man up. I hope to pick up the slack while he¡¯s gone and get him back here soon and keep rolling. I hope we don¡¯t skip a beat.¡±

Left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. He pitched in six games for the Pirates earlier this month and had a 6.75 ERA.