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Pirates Option Closer David Bednar, Seek Bullpen Answers Amid Struggles
about 1 year agoUS
The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing early-season turbulence in their bullpen, highlighted by the surprising move to option former All-Star closer David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis on April 1st, 2025. This decision underscores significant struggles for Bednar and setup man Colin Holderman, leaving the crucial closer role vacant as the team searches for stability.
Key Insights
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Bednar Demoted:: Two-time All-Star closer David Bednar was optioned to Triple-A after significant struggles dating back to last season and continuing into the first few games of 2025.
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Performance Mystery:: Bednar's velocity remains high (even slightly increased from 2023), but his effectiveness has plummeted, leading to blown saves and losses.
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Holderman Also Struggling:: Usual setup man Colin Holderman has also had a difficult start, allowing key hits and runs early in the season.
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Closer Role Open:: With Bednar demoted and Holderman working through issues, the Pirates currently lack a designated closer. Dennis Santana secured the first save opportunity following Bednar's demotion.
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Roster Moves:: The demotion coincided with prospect Thomas Harrington being called up, and catcher Jason Delay being designated for assignment.
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Why This Matters:: A reliable bullpen, especially a closer, is critical for securing wins. The Pirates' early struggles (starting 2-7 according to one report) are heavily linked to bullpen instability, impacting team morale, fan confidence, and fantasy baseball outcomes.
In-Depth Analysis
David Bednar's journey from hometown hero and dominant closer (2.25 ERA, 58 saves from 2021-2023) to being optioned to the minors has been swift and perplexing. Despite maintaining his pitch velocity, his results declined sharply in 2024 (5.77 ERA) and continued downwards at the start of the 2025 season, losing the closer's job last year and suffering crucial blown saves early this season. The Pirates hope time in Triple-A allows Bednar to reset away from MLB pressure.
Compounding the issue, Colin Holderman, expected to be the primary setup man, has also faltered. He allowed a critical bases-loaded double against the Yankees and is working to regain his form. Manager Derek Shelton indicated they might use Holderman in lower-leverage situations initially to help him find his rhythm.
With the closer's locker symbolically empty, the Pirates must identify who can handle high-leverage ninth-inning duties. Dennis Santana, who posted solid numbers last season, successfully converted the first save chance post-Bednar, making him a key figure to watch. Other internal options might emerge, but the team desperately needs someone to stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
From a fantasy baseball perspective, Bednar's demotion removes him from rosters, while Santana becomes a priority waiver wire pickup in leagues where saves are valued. The volatility highlights the risk associated with relievers and the potential value in identifying emerging bullpen arms.
FAQs
Why was David Bednar sent to the minors?
Despite maintaining good velocity, Bednar experienced a significant decline in performance, struggling with command and giving up key hits and runs, leading to blown saves and losses dating back to last season.
Who will be the Pirates' closer now?
The Pirates haven't named an official closer. Dennis Santana got the first save opportunity after Bednar's demotion. Colin Holderman could eventually factor in if he regains form, but the situation seems fluid.
What does this mean for the Pirates' bullpen?
It creates uncertainty and pressure. The team needs relievers like Santana, Holderman (if he recovers), and others to step up in high-leverage situations to secure wins and stabilize the bullpen.
Key Takeaways
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The Pirates' bullpen is in a state of flux, significantly impacting their ability to close out games early in the season.
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Fantasy baseball managers should remove David Bednar from their rosters and consider adding Dennis Santana as a potential source of saves.
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This situation underscores the volatility of relief pitchers; even established closers can struggle unexpectedly.
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Keep an eye on how the Pirates manage their late innings and who emerges as the most reliable option.
Discussion
The Pirates face a tough challenge rebuilding their bullpen's reliability. Do you think David Bednar can regain his All-Star form, or will someone new solidify the closer role in Pittsburgh? Let us know your thoughts!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
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Source 1: With closer role vacated, who will step up? Bucs still seek answer{target="_blank"}
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Source 2: Pirates Option David Bednar - MLB Trade Rumors{target="_blank"}
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Source 3: Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Pirates demote David Bednar... - NBC Sports{target="_blank"}
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