PITTSBURGH -- Even when manager Derek Shelton chose not to commit to a closer in Spring Training, it was fairly obvious that right-hander Richard Rodríguez would get most of the save opportunities for the Pirates in 2021.\n\nNow, after Rodríguez was traded to Atlanta in a Deadline deal, who gets the reps with the game on the line?\n\nPittsburgh ran out a few options on Saturday night in a close game that ended in a 3-2, walk-off win over the Phillies at PNC Park when
So, who are the top candidates in the biggest spots for the remainder of the season? Here’s a breakdown of Pittsburgh's top three options at the moment.
• Park joins ranks; Kellington signs
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However, Bednar kept the game scoreless beyond that\n\n“I think the biggest thing there is, when you get a young guy like that in a high-leverage situation in front of an almost-full house, you see how he reacts,” Shelton said. “And he reacted \\[well\\], and he came back and finished the eighth, which was really important.”\n\nWith a high-velocity fastball, a swing-and-miss-heavy curveball (52.1 percent whiff rate) and a splitter that has a .196 batting average against, the tools are there for Bednar. Expect the high-leverage chances to be there, too.
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As far as why Bednar worked the eighth vs. Stratton in the ninth on Saturday, the reasoning should be a theme in the coming weeks.\n\n“It was more matchup-based, which is probably where we’re going to be for a while in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings,” Shelton said.\n\nStratton’s move to the back end also means long-relief roles will be open for the taking. Shelton mentioned
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