The Pirates plan to split closing duties between Bednar and Chris Stratton to open the season, Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar and Stratton split the job last year after the departure of Richard Rodriguez, and it's not a major surprise the pair will continue to do so to begin 2022. Bednar had a lighter share of the role with three saves but pitched better with a 2.23 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 77:19 K:BB across 60.2 innings. Meanwhile, Stratton picked up eight saves and had a 3.63 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 86:33 K:BB.

Bednar (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar landed the shelf with a strained right oblique Sept. 14, and he'll rejoin the active roster after a brief stint on the IL. The 26-year-old should take over as Pittsburgh's top closer, though Chris Stratton likely will still be in the mix for those opportunities depending on the situation.

Bednar (oblique) threw a bullpen session Friday and is progressing well, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

There are nine games left in the regular season, and manager Derek Shelton said the team should have some clarity on when Bednar will be available within the next few days, so it's not a guarantee he will make it back before the end of the season, despite the fact he is trending in the right direction. Chris Stratton has been working as the closer, but no Pirate has recorded a save within the past week.

Pirates director of sports medicine said Wednesday that Bednar (oblique) will throw live batting practice soon, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar has been sidelined for just over a week due to a right oblique strain, but he's ahead of schedule in his recovery. Assuming his upcoming throwing session goes well, Tomczyk is optimistic that the right-hander will be cleared to rejoin the Pirates for the final few games of the regular season.

Bednar (oblique) resumed playing catch Wednesday and is feeling pain free, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar's ability to start throwing again just one day after being placed on the injured list suggests his right oblique strain is a relatively minor one. That said, he'll still need to progress to throwing off a mound and facing hitters in live batting practice or simulated games, so Bednar is far from a safe bet to make it back from the 10-day injured list before the end of the season. In the meantime, Chris Stratton represents the top candidate to pick up saves for the Pirates.

Bednar was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar was unavailable for Sunday's series finale against the Nationals due to a side issue, and he'll require a stint on the injured list after he was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. With just under three weeks remaining in the regular season, it's not clear whether he'll have enough time to return to game action in 2021. Chris Stratton will likely take over as Pittsburgh's closer while Bednar is sidelined.

Bednar was unavailable for Sunday's game against the Nationals due to right side discomfort, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Derek Shelton revealed prior to Sunday's contest that Bednar wouldn't be available out of the bullpen, and the Pirates' skipper said after the game that the right-hander's absence was due to discomfort in his side. The 26-year-old hasn't pitched since Tuesday, and the Pirates are reportedly considering placing him on the injured list.

Bednar isn't available out of the Pittsburgh bullpen for Sunday's series finale with the Nationals while he tends to an unspecified injury, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Mackey, Bednar isn't dealing with an injury involving his throwing arm, but the Pirates haven't offered any further specifics on what's ailing the right-hander. With three saves in his last seven appearances, Bednar appears to have emerged as the Pirates' primary closer, but he now looks to be at risk of missing time while he tends to the injury. The Pirates are said to be considering placing him on the 10-day injured list.

Bednar struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning and earned the save against Detroit on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar threw 12-of-16 pitches for strikes and had no issue rolling through the Tigers in order to finish off the 6-3 victory. He's now riding a 10.1-inning scoreless streak with three saves since Aug. 15. Bednar is now sporting a 72:17 K:BB and a 2.22 ERA through 56.2 frames.

Bednar struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Monday to record his second save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old appears to be locking down the closer role and has saves in each of his last two appearances -- Pittsburgh's only two saves since the team dealt Richard Rodriguez to Atlanta. Bednar has been especially impressive in August, posting a 0.84 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB over 10.2 innings.