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