Yanks could ask Bednar, Blackburn to go multiple innings in Game 3

If the Yankees have a lead late in Game 3, it’s almost a sure bet that David Bednar will be called on to close out a victory. Just how much they want from him in order to extend their season is anybody’s guess.

Already in this postseason, we have seen some unusual closer situations. Grant Taylor of the White Sox got seven outs to finish a game against Houston in their AL Wild Card Series, 12 outs to save Game 1 of Chicago’s division series against Cleveland and four to save Game 2 versus the Guardians. The Padres used starter Michael King to get the last six outs against the Brewers in Game 3 of their NL Division Series on Tuesday night.

Bednar has shown himself to be up to an increased workload this season with 12 appearances recording more than three outs. In them, he was 4-0 and converted six of eight save opportunities.

Bednar is 7-3 with 35 saves in 39 opportunities this season.

During Tuesday’s off day, pitching coach Matt Blake was asked about closers taking on heavier workloads than the typical three-out save and about what Bednar might be asked to do.

“Obviously we were targeting about four, but I think we'd be comfortable to go a little bit further if needed,” he replied. “[It] comes down to probably the pitch count, probably keeping it under 40. . . but I do think we've talked anywhere from four to six if needed.”

Blake said that set-up man Paul Blackburn could also be asked to get more than three outs to “shorten the game,” but Bednar will close.

By Roger Rubin

roger.rubin@newsday.com@rogrubin

Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.