The Pittsburgh Pirates placed their two-time All-Star closer David Bednar on the injured list, retroactive to Thursday. This move came after Aroldis Chapman emerged to close a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, a role usually held by Bednar, who was sidelined due to left-side tightness. The Pirates revealed that Bednar’s issue is a tight lat muscle, the same type of injury that caused him to miss most of spring training and led to a slow start this season. Bednar currently has a 3-3 record with 16 saves and a 5.17 ERA, making a third consecutive All-Star selection unlikely.
The Pirates had hoped their bullpen would be a strong point this season after signing Chapman to a $10.5 million contract. The bullpen was expected to include reliable relievers like Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Ryan Borucki. However, these five relievers have not all been active simultaneously this season. Bednar’s injury comes just as Borucki is on a rehab assignment following his own stint on the injured list.
Among the bullpen members, only Holderman has consistently met expectations, posting a 0.68 ERA and a WHIP of 0.938. Chapman has struggled with control, issuing 27 walks in 27 innings, resulting in a 4.00 ERA and a 1.667 WHIP. Mlodzinski is still trying to find his rhythm after returning from the injured list, often being used as an opener rather than in his usual late-inning role. His current statistics include a 4.50 ERA and a 1.450 WHIP.
Manager Derek Shelton is unlikely to designate a single closer in Bednar’s absence. Instead, he will likely base the ninth-inning assignment on matchups, using either Holderman or Chapman. Both pitchers have experience in high-pressure situations, with Chapman having a history of closing games and Holderman proving unfazed by the role.
To fill Bednar’s roster spot, the Pirates have recalled lefty Justin Bruihl from Triple-A Indianapolis. Bruihl had been sent down just six days prior when the team called up Daulton Jefferies. Despite a 6.75 ERA, Bruihl had been effective in his previous stint with the Pirates, with his ERA being skewed by one poor outing against the Rockies.
In summary, the Pirates will have to navigate the next stretch without Bednar, relying on a mix of relievers to fill the closer role while hoping for better consistency from their bullpen overall.
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