BREAKING: Pirates Option David Bednar to Triple-A

It would have been unfathomable to even consider the possibility this time last year, but the Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis amidst prolonged struggles.

Bednar, who was named a National League All-Star two years in a row from 2022-23, took a major step back last season.

After combining for a 2.25 ERA in his first three seasons with the Pirates, Bednar lost his closer spot towards the end of 2024. The right-hander finished his 2024 campaign with a 5.77 ERA and blew seven of his 30 save opportunities after being tied for the league lead in saves in 2023.

The uncharacteristic struggles from Bednar have proved to not be a blip. In spring training, Bednar posted a 10.13 ERA in nine appearances out of the bullpen. Nevertheless, he broke camp with the team but has again struggled to start the season.

Bednar pitched in three out of the four games of the opening series against the Miami Marlins, was scored upon each time, and took the loss on two occasions. Bednar allowed a walk-off single on Opening Day and allowed Derek Hill to score from third on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday.

Despite converting the save in the Pirates’ lone win of the season on Friday, Bednar surrendered a two-run home run in the ninth inning to Otto López before recording the final three outs.

Now, Bednar will head to the minor leagues as he looks to regain the form that made him one of the better relief pitchers in baseball from 2021-23. A stunning, now year-long development.

Bednar was optioned to Indianapolis for right-hander pitching prospect Thomas Harrington, who will make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Harrington, the 36th pick in the 2022 draft, made 13 appearances/12 starts with Double-A Altoona last season and went 2-2 with a 2.24 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 68.1 innings. After a promotion to Indianapolis, he made eight starts and went 5-1 with a 3.33 ERA.

The 23-year-old will wear uniform No. 78.

To make room for Harrington on the 40-man roster, catcher Jason Delay was designated for assignment. Delay appeared in 134 games with the Pirates over the last three seasons and slashed .231/.295/.315 across 373 plate appearances.