Padres pitcher David Bednar is ready for his second season in the Major Leagues

David Bednar was called up to the Padres big league roster towards the end of the season this year. Bednar showed that he could compete at the Major League level.

Before being drafted by the Padres, Bednar grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Being able to represent Pittsburgh with everything he has done with baseball means a lot to him.

“It’s an honor,” Bednar said when asked what it means representing Pittsburgh. “There has been a lot of people who have really helped me along the way like family friends and coaches growing up all from this area. It’s been really cool.”

Bednar attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. In his time at Lafayette, Bednar had a 7-16 record with a 3.84 ERA and 188 strikeouts.

“During your college career is when you learn the up and downs of the game,” Bednar said when asked how his time at Lafayette helped him develop as a player. “Trusting the process and continuing to grind everyday. I think that is one of the biggest things there.”

Following his junior year at Lafayette, Bednar was drafted by the Padres with the 1044th pick in the 35th round.

“It was awesome,” he said when asked what the feeling was like for him once he received the phone call that he would be drafted. “That has always been my goal since I have started baseball. Being able to have that opportunity was awesome and a surreal feeling.”

After being drafted, Bednar was sent to play in Single-A Short-Season for the Tri-City Dust Devils where he immediately made a name for himself. In 10 innings pitched, he gave up zero runs and had 15 strikeouts. He was soon sent up to play at Single-A (Full-Season) for the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

In Fort Wayne, Bednar was 4-5 with a 2.65 ERA and 75 strikeouts. Midway through the 2017 season, Bednar was called up to play at Single-A Advanced for the Lake Elsinore Storm.

Following the 2017 season, Bednar played with the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League. In eight innings pitched, Bednar posted a 1.13 ERA with seven strikeouts.

In 2018, Bednar played the whole season in Lake Elsinore. In his time with the Storm, Bednar had 12 saves with a 3.16 ERA and 127 strikeouts.

Bednar played most of the 2019 season at Double-A for the Amarillo Sod Poodles. In 58 innings pitched, he had 14 saves with a 2.95 ERA and 86 strikeouts.

Bednar had a long journey through the minor leagues that was helpful for him.

“It was a grind,” Bednar said. “Long bus rides and playing everyday, you definitely get used to that lifestyle pretty quick. It was a great experience and I can't complain.”

On September 1st this past season, Bednar was called up to the Major Leagues.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” he said. “It was unbelievable and a true dream come true. It’s what you work for everyday and to have the opportunity to play in the big leagues is special.”

Bednar allowed zero runs in his first four appearances in the big leagues. He finished the season with an 0-2 record with a 6.55 ERA and 14 strikeouts. His ERA really doesn't speak for how he did though. Other than his final appearance, he pitched great and showed that he could battle with good hitters in the league.

“Just the competition and there's a lot less room for error,” Bednar said when asked about the differences in pitching in the Majors and Minors.

Bednar has spent some time this offseason with his friends and family. He has been building up his workouts to be ready for Spring Training. He is hoping that he will get call to the Majors again this season.

You can follow David on Instagram at www.instagram.com/david_bednar.