Aroldis Chapman

Bednar walked two and got just one missed swing during the 29-pitching outing, and he's now given up six runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings this spring. The Pirates have to possess some concern here, and this time around, they don't have Aroldis Chapman backing Bednar up. Colin Holderman would probably be next in line for saves if Bednar's struggles linger into the regular season. Dennis Santana would seem to be a little more interesting, though.

He surrendered three hits, including a homer to Garrett Cooper. Hendriks has allowed six runs and 11 hits in four innings this spring, and barring a big turnaround, it doesn't appear that he'll be the choice to close for the Red Sox initially. Aroldis Chapman is probably the favorite for saves for the short term, but Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten might prove to be Boston's best relievers.

Chapman seems to be trying something new with his splitter. He threw the pitch seven times today and they were on average three mph slower and with about three-quarters as much spin as last year, even as the rest of his arsenal was a match for last season in terms of velocity and spin rate. It was a success, too, as Twins hitters missed all four times they swung at it. Chapman did give up three hits, but they came on fastballs and sinkers. His chances of closing for the Red Sox on Opening Day have increased due to the struggles of Liam Hendriks.

The inning ended on a baserunning miscue after the fourth single. There still hasn't been any Statcast data for Hendriks, since all of his appearances have come in home games. He's thus far given up four runs and eight hits in three innings, and as early as it is, that doesn't seem to bode well. If Hendriks fails to secure closing duties in Boston, then Aroldis Chapman could open up in the role. Ideally, Justin Slater or Garrett Whitlock would prove ready to step in at some point.

Bednar has something to prove after a miserable 2024, but since the Pirates have declined to reenforce their pen by bringing in another Aroldis Chapman-type, he seems poised to regain the closer's role by default. There's a good chance he'll bounce back and prove just fine there. It'd just be nice if the Pirates weren't so cheap and could have added some insurance.