Pittsburgh Pirates two-time All-Star closer David Bednar is headed to the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 20) with a strained left oblique muscle.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Bednar was not available Saturday because of left side tightness he felt in his throwing program. Lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman, a seven-time All-Star, earned his second save of the season in the 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Bednar is 3-3 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.12 WHIP and averaging 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 31 1/3 innings over 34 appearances. He has 16 saves in 19 opportunities this season. Bednar tied for the National League lead with 39 saves last season and led the majors with a 92.9% save percentage.
Left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis and was in the Pirates’ clubhouse before Sunday’s game against the Rays.
