Bednar (oblique) has been sent to Double-A Altoona to begin a rehab assignment.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar has missed the last two-plus weeks with a left oblique strain but was cleared for rehab games after getting through a bullpen session over the weekend with no issues. It's possible he requires just the one rehab appearance before being activated, although with the All-Star break looming, the Pirates also have the option of taking things a little slower with their closer.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that he anticipates Bednar (oblique) reporting to Triple-A Indianapolis this week to begin a rehab assignment, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar has been on the 15-day injured list since June 23 with a left oblique strain, but he's on the cusp of a return after he threw a 21-pitch live batting practice session Saturday without incident. Cherington didn't say whether Bednar would require more than one rehab appearance with Indianapolis, but with the All-Star break looming, it wouldn't be surprising if the Pirates waited until the start of their second-half schedule July 19 before activating their closer.

Bednar (oblique) threw 21 pitches in a live batting practice Saturday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar utilized all three of his pitches in Saturday's session as he faced live batters for the first time in his rehab program. It's another positive step for the 29-year-old as he works his way back from a left oblique strain. Bednar appeared in 34 games before landing on the injured list June 23, earning 16 saves with a 5.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Tuesday that Bednar (oblique) has progressed to throwing from 120 feet and should soon resume mound work, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was briefly shut down from throwing after he landed on the injured list June 23 with an oblique strain. Bednar will be eligible to be reinstated to the active roster soon, but he could spend more than the 15-day minimum on the shelf since he's yet to get back on the mound. However, he doesn't appear to be in for a lengthy absence and may be able to rejoin the Pirates before the All-Star break.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Bednar is making progress in his recovery from a left oblique strain, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Cherington struck an optimistic tone about Bednar's health, the two-time All-Star doesn't appear to have a concrete timeline to return from the 15-day injured list. Bednar is first eligible for activation next weekend, but because he has yet to resume throwing since landing on the shelf, he doesn't appear to be on track for a return in the minimum amount of time.

The Pirates placed Bednar on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a strained left oblique, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar reported feeling tightness in his side during his throwing session before Saturday's contest against the Rays and wasn't available to pitch in the game. His injury was initially believed to be relatively minor, so it's possible the 29-year-old reliever will be able to return after a minimum-length stay on the IL. Until then, Aroldis Chapman will likely see the majority of save opportunities, and Justin Bruihl will come up from Triple-A to replenish the Pirates' bullpen depth.

Bednar was unavailable for Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays due to left side tightness, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar missed out on a save chance Saturday as Aroldis Chapman stepped up in the ninth to close out the win. Bednar's absence was planned after feeling the tightness during his pregame throwing program but the injury isn't considered to be serious at this point. If he ends up missing more than just Saturday's game, expect Chapman to continue to see save chances.

Bednar earned the save Wednesday against the Reds, pitching a perfect ninth inning to seal a 1-0 victory.

EDGE Analysis

It's the second straight hitless appearance from Bednar after he allowed home runs in each of his previous two outings. Still, the right-hander has been solid of late following a rocky start to the campaign, allowing just three runs in his last 17.1 innings. Overall, Bednar's converted 16-of-19 save opportunities this year while pitching to a 5.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings.

Bednar pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up the save against the Reds in Monday's 4-1 win.

EDGE Analysis

After serving up homers in each of his last two appearances, Bednar got back on track with a clean frame Monday. Bednar had a disastrous start to the season with 14 earned runs allowed in his first 13 outings, but he's turned it around with a 1.88 ERA over his last 19.1 innings. Despite the 5.34 ERA for the season, Bednar remains one of the better late-inning options, as his 15 saves are tied for eighth most in the majors.

Bednar allowed one earned run on one hit while striking out one Friday against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Bednar was called upon to preserve a 5-1 lead in the ninth inning. He retired the first two batters he faced without issue but then served up a solo home run to Charlie Blackmon. Bednar has now given up a home run in consecutive appearances, though the Pirates still won on both occasions.