Stratton earned the save Tuesday against the Reds despite allowing a solo home run. He struck out two and did not issue any walks over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

It was Stratton's third save in his last three opportunities, further securing his ninth-inning role now that David Bednar (oblique) has hit the injured list. This time around didn't go quite as smoothly due to the solo homer Stratton served up to Nick Castellanos, but the right-hander still walked away on top. He now has five saves this season to go with a 3.79 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.

Stratton has served as the team's primary closer with David Bednar (side) unavailable, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Derek Shelton would not say how much time Bednar might miss, though he has yet to be placed on the injured list. For his part, Stratton has collected two saves and one hold since Sept. 6. The team doesn't play Monday, so it's unlikely it will provide guidance on Bednar's health prior to Tuesday.

Stratton struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his fourth save of the season in a 10-7 win over the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old has now gotten Pittsburgh's last two save chances and converted them both, while David Bednar hasn't pitched at all since Sept. 7, when he picked up a hold working in front of Stratton. The duo will likely continue splitting ninth-inning work down the stretch, but Stratton appears to be the slightly preferred option for manager Derek Shelton.

Stratton picked up the save Tuesday after tossing a scoreless inning against the Tigers. He allowed one hit and no walks while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

With David Bednar presumably unavailable after pitching the previous day, Stratton finished off a one-run lead to earn his third save of the year. The right-hander also has eight holds so far to go with a 3.76 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 69.1 innings.

Stratton collected his eighth hold Monday, retiring the Tigers in order in the eighth inning of a 6-3 win.

EDGE Analysis

He showed no ill effects from giving up four hits and three earned runs in 1.2 innings against the Cubs on Saturday. With Pittsburgh holding a three-run lead, Stratton was called upon ahead of David Bednar, who later closed out the game for his third save. On Saturday, it was Stratton who got the save opportunity, but that was mainly because Bednar was unavailable.

Stratton (5-1) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk in 1.2 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Cubs. He did not record a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander delivered a perfect eighth inning, but he couldn't repeat that effort in the ninth. The Cubs were able to piece together a walkoff win against Stratton, who took his first loss of the year. He had given up his one hit and two walks while striking out 12 over his previous eight innings before Saturday's meltdown, although none of those eight appearances were longer than an inning. Stratton owns a 3.88 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 70:30 K:BB, two saves, three blown saves and seven holds through 67.1 innings this year. Given his recent work, he's still likely to see high-leverage spots with few other proven options in the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Stratton earned the win in relief Sunday against the Cardinals after tossing a scoreless inning, striking out the side.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton had the task of keeping the Cardinals off the score board with his team down by two runs in the top of the ninth, and he couldn't have looked more dominant since he needed just 16 pitches to strike out the side. The right-hander has tossed seven straight scoreless outings.

Stratton earned his second save Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in a 4-2 win against the Diamondbacks. He struck out one batter without allowing a hit or walk.

EDGE Analysis

With David Bednar throwing in three of the team's last four games, the game was Stratton's to save. Making his first appearance in three days, the righty threw eight of 11 pitches for strikes. The 31-year-old has established himself as second in the bullpen pecking order following the trade deadline and figures to see the occasional save opportunity when Bednar is unavailable. Stratton also has six holds to his credit.

Stratton gave up one hit and one walk in 1.1 innings of Tuesday's 8-5 win over Milwaukee on Tuesday. He also struck out one batter, but allowed an inherited runner to score.

EDGE Analysis

He was used in the seventh inning Tuesday and was unable to protect a 5-4 lead. Stratton slotted ahead of David Bednar as the team held a close, late-inning lead for just the second time since former closer Richard Rodriguez was traded to Atlanta. Stratton may see some saves, but it appears Bednar will get the bulk of opportunities.

Stratton (4-0) allowed two hits and no walks while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win over the Phillies on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Stratton had allowed four runs in 1.1 innings during his last appearance, but he settled down Saturday and preserved the 2-2 score after David Bednar blew the save in the eighth inning. According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bednar should serve as Pittsburgh's primary closer after Richard Rodriguez was traded to Atlanta on Friday. However, manager Derek Shelton said prior to Saturday's game that the Pirates will use a closer-by-committee approach, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. As a result, Stratton should still see ninth-inning work during the final two months of the season.