David Bednar out with lower back issue

Manager Derek Shelton hopes to avoid his closer going on the IL
 Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (51) looks on from the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays i
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar (51) looks on from the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays i Photo credit © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

If the Pirates are going to win their next couple games, they’re going to need to do it without their star closer.

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Pirates manager Derek Shelton said before Tuesday night’s game against the Nationals in Washington, that David Bednar won’t be available again.

Sheton added that Bednar is currently dealing with a back issue and the they hope to avoid a stint on the injured list.

As the Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey pointed out on Monday, Bednar has been used only twice in the past seven days with his most recent outing in a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.

Bednar was also unavailable Monday, according to Shelton.

The Mars native is having an All-Star caliber season for the Pirates, with a 1.78 ERA.

He has appeared in 28 games and is 3-2 with 11 saves and 49 strike outs over 35.1 innings pitched.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports