Derek Shelton’s management of David Bednar has led to Pirates' collapse

“Insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over again, expecting something to change” is not only one of the most iconic quotes of all-time, but it also perfectly encapsulates how Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton has managed closer David Bednar in recent weeks.

Blowing a huge lead in Wednesday afternoon's debacle only further enhanced just how awful Shelton’s management of Bednar has been, and how his handling of the former All-Star closer has essentially derailed the season.

In the month of August, Bednar has pitched 10.2 innings. The right-handed reliever has allowed a whopping 13 earned runs. That includes eight walks, only 13 Ks, and 17 hits allowed. He has now allowed the opposing team to score the winning run on five different occasions in the month of August.

Keep in mind, the Pirates went into August with playoff hopes. They entered the month 55-53, just six games out of the National League Central, and a single game out of a Wild Card spot. Those five games where Bednar has blown it could have been the difference between the Pirates in a Wild Card spot, well within range of the division lead, and where they are now.

Pirates closer David Bednar has derailed Pittsburgh's playoff hopes, thanks to Derek Shelton

Now granted, Colin Holderman losing it at the start of the month and Carmen Mlodzinski landing on the IL represented a huge blow to the bullpen. But the Pirates still have options to turn to, rather than choosing "keep going to Bednar and keep blowing leads". Aroldis Chapman has been next to lights out since the start of May, Kyle Nicolas has looked extremely good this year, and Dennis Santana has single-handedly given this bullpen another life. 

On top of that, how does Shelton ever expect Bednar to get things back on track if he is never put in a position to succeed and build some momentum? If Shelton doesn’t want to take Bednar out of the closing role long term, that’s one thing. But there is no harm in letting someone else take some save opportunities when Shelton has the options available to him.

Shelton’s bullpen mismanagement in general has been one of the biggest reasons for this late-season collapse. But his constant reliance on Bednar has been the primary culprit. Time and time again, Shelton has turned to Bednar for a save or high-leverage situation, and nearly every time, it has led to the Pirates losing by the time Bednar’s day is done.