Bard walked off the mound in the second inning of that June 3 contest and hasn’t pitched for the Red Sox since, spending time in Triple-A Pawtucket while trying to get his game under control.
The Red Sox attempted to convert Bard, who spent his first three seasons in the majors as a reliever, into a starting pitcher this season with uninspiring results. The 6-foot-4 right-hander struggled to a 5-6 record and a 5.24 ERA mostly due to control issues.
His recent stint in Triple-A hit a high-point on Monday, though, as Bard retired the side on only 10 pitches in a relief effort. Bard’s return to form has Red Sox Nation wondering about a possible return to the big leagues for the once-dominant setup man.
With Bard’s days as a starter behind him due to poor performance and his preference, where will the Red Sox make room for Bard in an already dominant bullpen? Will Bard return to his setup role, replace Alfredo Aceves as the closer or find a spot in the middle innings to contribute?
Where do you think Bard fits into the current Red Sox bullpen?
What will Daniel Bard's role be upon his return to the Red Sox?
