Pirates' Derek Shelton believes David Bednar has closer ability, but that's not the current plan

After the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most recent defeat Tuesday night, manager Derek Shelton wasn’t thinking too far beyond Wednesday’s day off.

The return of Ke’Bryan Hayes, set for Thursday at PNC Park against the Miami Marlins, is the big event.

But outfielder Ka’ai Tom was hit by a pitch and left Tuesday’s 10-5 loss in Kansas City in the third inning. Infielders Colin Moran and Phillip Evans are in Triple-A Indianapolis, trying to work back from groin and hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, the Pirates (20-34) are on a three-game losing streak, their sixth stretch of three defeats or more this season.

Shelton is focused on 2021 at the moment, but that doesn’t mean questions from reporters about the future are off-limits.

Before the game in Kansas City, Shelton was asked about the possibility of 26-year-old right-hander David Bednar someday becoming a major-league closer. After all, Bednar’s current velocity reaches the high 90s and he’s had success with his four-seam fastball. He recorded 39 saves in the minor leagues (none above Double-A), but in three seasons with the San Diego Padres and Pirates (40 games), he has none.

Perhaps as the Pirates’ roster continues to take shape for the future and more veterans are traded — 31-year-old closer Richard Rodriguez, perhaps — Bednar will be considered as a replacement.

“He has the ability to close at some point,” Shelton said. “I won’t say it’s going to be this year or next year. Guys transform into that.

“I think he’s going to have a really good opportunity to pitch in leverage innings for a long portion of his career.”

Bednar said he’s open to any duty, but he said he hasn’t thought about closing.

“Eventually, but right now whenever my name’s called, I’m going to go out there and get outs and execute pitches and get my team (off the field),” he said. “That’s not anything I’m really worried about right now. Just worry about going out and doing my job.”

Despite a hiccup in the bottom of the eighth Tuesday in Kansas City, Bednar has pitched well for the Pirates as the only current major-leaguer to join the team in the Joe Musgrove trade.

After lasting only 2/3 of an inning and allowing the Royals a triple, sacrifice fly, infield single, walk and one run in a non-leverage situation, Bednar comes home to PNC Park with a 3.05 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. The Royals’ run was only the fourth time he’s been scored upon in 20 appearances. Right-handed hitters are hitting .191 against him.

“My confidence is pretty high,” he said before Tuesday’s game. “I got myself in a good routine this year. Going out and competing and sticking to that mantra. Once you have success, it fuels that a little more.”

Bednar has enjoyed success with his fastball, stopping just short of the 100-mph mark that can be a badge of honor for some pitchers.

“But, ultimately, it doesn’t really matter if you’re not getting outs,” he said.

He also has enjoyed success with a splitter that he said resembles a slider.

“It’s always had a slider-ly reaction,” he said. “It’s not a traditional splitter.”

The pitch’s name matters far less than it’s action around the batter. “As long as it’s doing something and it’s late (moving), then whatever. Just trying to be aggressive with it,” he said. “If it wants to look like a slider, whatever. As long as it’s missing bats.”

This season doesn’t seem real to Bednar, a Mars High School graduate who grew up cheering for the Pirates. He said he can’t believe his good fortune, pitching well only a short drive from his hometown.

“Each day, I pinch myself,” he said. “Every day, seeing the jersey hung up in the locker, it’s still surreal.

“I don’t think it’s going to wear off anytime soon. It’s awesome, being able to pitch here and have some success, knock on wood.”