TORONTO -- Through the first month of the season, David Bednar didn't exactly resemble the All-Star closer who limited opposing hitters to a .215 batting average and tied for the National League lead in saves a year ago.
He blew three saves -- his total from all of last season -- within his first five appearances and had three outings in the month of April in which he allowed three or more runs. By the end of the month, his ERA sat at 13.50 and opposing hitters were batting .316 against him through 12 total appearances.
“I knew I was better than that," Bednar said Saturday in Toronto. "I knew what I was capable of."
When Bednar wasn't at his best, he struggled to throw competitive pitches in the zone. He found himself consistently behind in counts and wasn't missing competitively.
"I’m able to have success because I throw multiple pitches in the zone," said Bednar, whose arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, curveball and splitter. "Whenever I’m not able to do that, the results were what they were."
In the face of adversity, Bednar worked to get more in sync with himself and has turned things around as of late. During the month of May, he converted all six of his save opportunities and allowed just three runs in 13 1/3 innings. He made 14 total appearances during the month and limited hitters to a .220 average.
“I had complete confidence that I was (going to turn things around). It took a little bit longer than I wanted it to, but I’m definitely feeling a lot more like myself," Bednar said. "Just throwing strikes in the zone with all three pitches and putting myself in good counts. Doing those things in those big spots is huge."
Derek Shelton believes Bednar's bounce-back month of May had a lot to do with the way he executed his fastball.
"Early in the season, the execution of the fastball wasn’t good and part of that is he had a pretty abrupt spring training and we kind of rushed him into the season," Shelton said, referring to a lat injury that limited Bednar to two appearances this spring. "I think he was still a little bit in spring training mode and we saw that. Now we’re starting to see the David Bednar that we’ve known over the last couple of years.”
Shelton credited Bednar for the way he handled the early-season challenges he faced. He said he never let his struggles truly affect him. Instead of wavering, Bednar made the necessary adjustments and found a way to return to form.
“That’s where you see what you’re made of and what you’re all about," Bednar said. "It’s a tough game. Obviously, when you’re going well, you don’t think about it, but when your back’s against the wall, you have to face that adversity. It wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last, but I think you take things from each one in how to overcome it and help you for the next time. Hopefully you’re able to shorten those down times.”
