Bard Building Sturdy Bridge to Papelbon

It’s hard to have a more productive week than the one Sox reliever Daniel Bard had from July 25-31.

The flame-throwing righty made four appearances during that stretch without giving up a run. He recorded three holds and three strikeouts, while surrendering just two hits and no walks in 3 1/3 innings of relief.

Bard has thrived in the eighth-inning role during his rookie campaign, used primarily as the bridge to Jonathan Papelbon in close games. With a fastball that is consistently in the upper 90s, Bard has been blowing batters away all season long.