PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The pure number of saves aren't what others have done, but hard pressed to find a better closer in Major League Baseball than the David Bednar. Now for a second consecutive season, Bednar is an NL All-Star.
The Pirates closer replaces Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Much like last season, Bednar found out from Pirates manager Derek Shelton as he again presented him with a case of IC Light. Smiling from ear-to-ear, Shelton walked into the Pirates clubhouse carrying the beer like a waiter while saying simply 'David Bednar is an All-Star'.
Bednar hugged his manager and as his teammates begged for a speech, the Bucs closer said 'I love you guys' as he thanked them for their help in getting him the honor.
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.
Last season, Bednar was an All-Star going 3-4, 2.61 ERA, 19 saves in 23 opportunities with 69 strikeouts to 16 walks in 51.2 innings and a WHIP of 1.12. He will join pitcher Mitch Keller representing the Pirates at the All-Star Game in Seattle next week.
