Bard has reportedly informed the Red Sox and general manager Ben Cherington that he wants to return to being a reliever after struggling through his time as a starting pitcher.
“I know I can be a good starter,” Bard told ESPN.com’s Joe McDonald, ” but I already know I’m a great reliever.”
This decision by Bard comes on the heels of a blown save in Triple-A Pawtucket, where he threw two wild pitches to allow two runs to score in the ninth inning.
In 10 starts in the big leagues, Bard was 4-6 with a 5.30 ERA. He was sent down to the minors after his final start in Toronto, where he allowed five runs in 1 2/3 innings while walking four and hitting two batters.
Now, Bard will be able to focus on re-finding his focus in the bullpen, where he has been close to lights-out during his time with the Red Sox.
