Yankees place closer David Bednar on paternity list

Field Level MediaField Level Media|published: Mon 29th June, 15:58 2026
Jun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar (53) throws a pitch  during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesJun 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar (53) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees placed right-handed closer David Bednar on the paternity list and recalled right-hander Jake Bird from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre to fill his roster spot ahead of Monday's home series opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Bednar, 31, is 2-3 with 16 saves and a 3.09 ERA in 33 relief appearances this season. In eight major league seasons, he is 20-26 with 127 saves and a 3.14 ERA in 348 relief appearances for the San Diego Padres (2019-20), Pittsburgh Pirates (2021-25) and Yankees (2025-26).


Bird, 30, opened the season 1-1 with a 4.88 ERA in 29 relief appearances before he was optioned to Triple-A earlier this month. He had three consecutive scoreless outings at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following his demotion.

In five major league seasons, Bird is 12-12 with a 4.78 ERA in 220 appearances (three starts) for the Colorado Rockies (2022-25) and Yankees (2025-26).

--Field Level Media

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