Pirates closer and Pittsburgh native David Bednar is heading back to the All-Star Game.
While you could easily argue that he should’ve been named to the game, next week in Seattle, it took an injury to Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw went on the injured list earlier this week with left shoulder soreness.
It’s Bednar’s second straight selection. To celebrate, manager Derek Shelton presented his closer with a 30-pack of I.C. Light, just like he did last year.
Since the Pirates are in Los Angeles for a four-game series against the Dodgers, Bednar left Kershaw a little gift, some of his I.C. Light since he is taking his place.
“Mr. Kershaw, Pittsburgh’s finest beer! Enjoy!” Bednar wrote with an ice-filled cooler of about six beers in it next to the note.
The 28-year-old’s 16 saves are just 12th in MLB, but only two closers have a better ERA (1.44). The Mars High School graduate has only one blown save and his WHIP (0.89) is among the best in the game. Bednar has struck out 37 and walked only four.
It’s Bednar’s second selection to the All-Star Game. Kershaw has been named to 10.