For the time being, Zach Stewart’s stint with the Red Sox
is one and done.
Less than 24 hours after surrendering nine earned runs
and 10 hits in Wednesday’s 10-3 loss to the Angels, Stewart was sent back down
to Triple-A. It was an atrocious start for Stewart, who allowed more runs than
any pitcher in his Red Sox debut since 1903.
The move also paved the way for Boston to promote Daniel Bard back
to the bigs. Shortly after a disastrous start in Toronto on June 3, the
27-year-old was demoted to Pawtucket to work on his mechanics and hopefully regain his command.
“It just gave me a chance to work on some things
without too much consequence in the results,” Bard told reporters. “I
worked on accomplishing some really good things, and I’m headed in the right
direction, and now I just need to get back in a competitive environment and
focus on competing with the hitter.”
During his tenure in Triple-A, Bard came to the
conclusion that he was better off in the bullpen. In 31 appearances for the
PawSox, Bard still endured his share of issues, posting a 7.03 ERA with 32 strikeouts
and 29 walks.
But the Red Sox anticipate the adrenaline rush of the
major league atmosphere will give Bard an extra lift. From 2009 to 2011, the
pitcher was one of the best relievers in the American League, notching 79
holds.
On Thursday, he’ll restart his career where he began it back on May 13,
2009 — in Anaheim.
“Kind of ironic,” Bard said. “My wife
pointed that out to me. It’ll be pretty much like any other outing. I just have
to go out and help the team.”
Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine told reporters he would
ease Bard back into the action.
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