Bard proved his reliability in the final week of the regular season by making three scoreless appearances and striking out two in two innings of work in Boston’s four-game sweep of the Indians.
The 6-foot-4 righty kept that momentum going into the playoffs as he struck out two Angels hitters in one hitless inning of work in Game 1 of the American League Division Series in Anaheim. Despite the 5-0 loss, Bard was a bright spot as he was the lone Red Sox hurler to not allow a run.
In his first season in the Red Sox’ bullpen, Bard went 2-2 with a 3.65 ERA. Consistently flirting with triple digits on the radar gun, Bard struck out 63 batters in just 49 1/3 innings after being called up in early May. Bard also earned one save and 13 holds in 49 appearances.