Right-hander David Bednar was a junior at Lafayette College when the Padres selected him in the 35th round in 2016. Three months later in the fall instructional league, Bednar learned a split-finger grip from from Hideo Nomo, the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year, a Japanese Baseball Hall of Famer and an advisor to Padres baseball operations. Last week, the 24-year-old Bednar became the fourth player from his draft class to suit up for the Padres. (Editor’s note: This interview was edited for space).
Union-Tribune: Let’s go back to Draft Day. You’re Pick 1,044.