Pittsburgh Pirates' David Bednar Leaves Clayton Kershaw a Gift After Being Named to All-Star Game
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was replaced on the National League All-Star team by Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar.
As a thank you for his inclusion in the game, and perhaps a little "get well" present, Bednar gave Kershaw a nice gift and a handwritten note. Conveniently, the Dodgers and Pirates are playing each other so the note and gift were easy to deliver.
Bednar gave Kershaw some of "Pittsburgh's finest beer," and a cooler with a note that said, "Enjoy!"
It will be the second straight All-Star appearance for Bednar, who is one of the top relievers in the National League. He's having another great season this year for the Pirates, going 3-0 with a 1.36 ERA. He's got 16 saves and has appeared in 32 games, striking out 39 over 33 innings.
Lifetime, he's 9-7 with a 2.68 ERA. He's recorded 38 saves in his career.
He's a consistent presence in the back end of the bullpen for manager Derek Shelton and will join fellow Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller at the All-Star Game in Seattle. Shelton will also go and coach on the National League squad.
The 28-year-old was a 35th-round draft choice of the Padres back in 2016 out of Lafayette (PA).
Kershaw is 10-4 this year with a 2.55 ERA. He's dealing with a shoulder issue.
The All-Star Game is July 11 in Seattle.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DURING ALL-STAR WEEK in Seattle, per MLB.com:
Friday, July 7: HBCU Swingman Classic (7:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, July 8: All-Star Celebrity Softball Game and MLB Futures Game (Futures Game 4 p.m., softball game after)
Sunday, July 9: MLB Draft, Rounds 1-2 (7 p.m. ET)
Monday, July 10: Home Run Derby (8 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, July 11: All-Star Game (8 p.m. ET)
Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
