Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Splitter: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45
After three seasons as a starter at Lafayette College, Bednar signed with the Padres as a 35th-round pick in the 2016 Draft and was subsequently moved to the bullpen. He impressed in the new role during his first full season, then pitched to similar results in the Class A Advanced California League the following year. Advancing to Double-A in 2019, Bednar turned in his third straight sub-3.00 ERA (2.95) season in as many years and was rewarded with his first big league callup in September.
A physically mature right-hander, Bednar operates from a three-quarters slot while creating plane towards the plate. His fastball sat at 95-96 mph during his 11 appearances out of the Padres' bullpen, with late life and some arm-side action that enables him to record whiffs inside the zone. Bednar's mid-70s curveball, which features 11-to-5 shape, has regressed a bit but is still an average pitch at its best. His splitter, meanwhile, was his most effective secondary pitch in the big leagues, registering in the low 80s with late tumbling action.
Bednar does a good job of pitching down in the zone and has kept the ball in the park as pro. He still has gains to make with both his curveball and his overall command, however, and the jury is still out on Bednar's ability to consistently retire left-handed hitters. But a strong record of success against righties, on top of a successful first big league audition, has Bednar's stock trending up going into 2020, opening the door for a potential late-inning role in San Diego's bullpen. Statcast - Pitching Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 196 29 2 6.9 84.9 14.9 .226 .424 .357 .310 .401 31.0 29.2 10.4 ALL 196 29 2 6.9 84.9 14.9 .226 .424 .357 .310 .401 31.0 29.2 10.4 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 09/01/2019 San Diego Padres selected the contract of RHP David Bednar from Amarillo Sod Poodles. 05/12/2019 Amarillo Sod Poodles activated RHP David Bednar from the 7-day injured list. 05/06/2019 Amarillo Sod Poodles placed RHP David Bednar on the 7-day injured list retroactive to May 3, 2019. 01/24/2019 San Diego Padres invited non-roster RHP David Bednar to spring training. 09/05/2018 David Bednar assigned to San Antonio Missions from Lake Elsinore Storm. 03/16/2018 RHP David Bednar assigned to San Diego Padres. 06/27/2017 RHP David Bednar assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from Fort Wayne TinCaps. 03/17/2017 RHP David Bednar assigned to San Diego Padres. 07/18/2016 RHP David Bednar assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps from Tri-City Dust Devils. 06/14/2016 San Diego Padres signed RHP David Bednar. 06/14/2016 RHP David Bednar assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils.
