Pittsburgh Pirates' David Bednar Leaves Clayton Kershaw a Gift After Being Named to All-Star Game

With Clayton Kershaw unable to pitch in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game, Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar was selected as a replacement. With the Dodgers and Pirates conveniently playing each other this week, Bednar sent Kershaw a nice gift.

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!"

To: Mr. Kershaw

From: David pic.twitter.com/x0jEXZjOYF

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 4, 2023

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)

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