This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here . And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

NEW YORK – David Bednar ’s new teammates don’t just call him “El Oso” because of his burly frame and effective repertoire. The nickname, Spanish for “The Bear,” fits the way he stalks the ninth inning, growling through traffic and rarely permitting escape once he’s on the prowl.

“He’s amazing,” said Fernando Cruz. “He’s nasty. He has everything a high-leverage guy needs. We’re blessed to have him.”

Acquired from the Pirates at the Trade Deadline, Bednar has settled in quickly, holding opponents scoreless in 11 of his first 14 appearances as a Yankee.

Bednar has posted a 3-0 record with five saves, a 2.70 ERA and 25 strik

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