SEATTLE -- David Bednar is no stranger to being named National League Reliever of the Month, but this time around, the honor might mean a bit more.
The Pirates’ veteran closer on Thursday officially earned the accolade for the second time in his career (also May 2022) for his stellar June.
Bednar went 5-for-5 in save conversions over 10 appearances (10 innings pitched) in which he allowed just one unearned run in the month and struck out 16 batters while allowing four hits and three walks. Bednar has not allowed an earned run in his last 15 outings (15 innings pitched) dating back to May 24 vs. Milwaukee.
For a guy whose early-season struggles got him sent to Triple-A Indianapolis for two and a half weeks, he admitted it feels different.
“I think that part of it makes stuff like this a little bit sweeter,” Bednar said. “But I still have to just try and take it one day at a time. Just keep throwing the ball well.”
Bednar said he owes credit to Indianapolis pitching coaches Drew Benes and Cibney Bello.
“They helped me get right mentally, and also on the field, too, helped keep me sharp and just have that confidence and conviction, and that kind of freed everything up,” Bednar said. “So it's been a good run since then.”
Bednar also made a point to mention the Pirates bullpen and catching room as a whole, specifically how their overall success had fed into his individual resurgence.
“Everybody's been throwing the ball well, and the catchers have been doing a really good job of calling a good game and doing all the homework beforehand,” Bednar said. “The whole staff has thrown well, so we have to just keep on rolling.”
Pirates manager Don Kelly said Bednar’s honor, particularly in the context of his 2025 journey, is a classic hard-work story that fits the city he plays for.
“A two-time All-Star goes down to Triple-A,” Kelly said. “That's the blue-collar Pittsburgh Yinzer in him. He's a grinder and he just continues to compete, continues to work, and I’m super proud and happy for him.”