Such was the Red Sox’ dillemma with Daniel Bard, who gave up six walks and hit two Blue Jays in just 1 2/3 innings in his latest start Sunday.
Bard had already been looked at as someone who was on the bubble, and immediately after he was lifted from the start speculation was rampant that Bard wouldn’t be allowed to make another. The only question was whether he would be moved back to the bullpen or sent down to the minors to iron out his problems.
Well, now we know the answer. Bard is set to move to Pawtuckett, while Darnell McDonald will be activated from the disabled list to take his spot.
“He’s been struggling with his mechanics,” Bobby Valentine told reporters on Tuesday. “Ben [Cherington] and I and his department met yesterday, and we all met with the coaches today, and we thought the best for the organization and Daniel was to get in an environment where he could just work on that mechanic and not have to worry about the big league record and his teammates. I think it will be a quick turnaround.”
If Bard’s turnaround isn’t so quick, the Red Sox may not have to look far for a replacement. Daisuke Matsuzaka continues to impress during his rehab assignment, but the starter to take Bard’s spot in the rotation has not yet been announced.
