Pirates’ David Bednar Named National League Reliever of the Month

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander David Bednar has been named the National League Reliever of the Month for June.

Bednar made 10 appearances for the Pirates during an impeccable month of June in which he was not charged with an earned run across 10 innings pitched. He allowed just four hits, walked three, struck out 16 batters and went a 5 for 5 in save opportunities.

It’s been a complete turnaround for Bednar after a disappointing 2024 season and a poor start to this year. Things got so bad that the Pirates optioned Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis on April 1 in hopes he’d return to form. That seemed to do the trick for the two-time All-Star.

In 30 games since he was recalled on April 19, Bednar has a 1.88 ERA and 11 saves. He’s struck out 41 batters with seven walks in 28.2 innings and owns a 1.52 FIP, which is second in the National League behind New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz.

Bednar owns a 2.73 ERA this season and is a perfect 12 for 12 in save opportunities after blowing seven of his 30 chances in 2024.