Daniel

Bard

Bard is calling it a career after attempting a comeback this season with the Mariners. The 40-year-old former closer’s odyssey from top pitching prospect to journeyman to elite closer began back in 2007 when he was selected in the first round by the Red Sox. He was out of baseball completely by 2014 before coming back in 2016, eventually returning to the big leagues in 2020 with the Rockies. He proceeded to record 61 saves and a 3.83 ERA across 200 innings (197 appearances) for the Rockies over the next four seasons.

Bard hasn’t pitched in the majors since the 2023 season after missing all of last year recovering from surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow. The 39-year-old former stopper could potentially factor into Seattle’s relief mix at some point in the second half.

The 39-year-old Bard missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in spring training and then hurting his elbow. He had a 4.56 ERA in 49 1/3 innings for the Rockies in 2023.

The 38-year-old hurler had been working his way back from a torn meniscus in his left knee and sustained the right elbow injury while rehabbing. No one wants to end their career on a devastating elbow injury, so expect that Bard will attempt to come back once again in 2025.

Bard is still working his way back from a torn meniscus in his left knee. There’s no clear timetable for his return, but he should be back at some point during the first half.

A tough break for Bard, but he probably won’t be too far behind at the start of the season. It’s unlikely that the 38-year-old would have been a part of the closing mix at the beginning of the year; Tyler Kinley and Justin Lawrence figure to battle for or share those chores at the beginning of the year.

It’s not what you want to hear. Bard has one year left under contract with the Rockies and is likely going to return for his age 39 season next spring after posting a serviceable 4.56 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 47/49 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings (50 appearances). He’s unlikely to pitch in high-leverage spots ever again, but should be in Colorado’s bullpen next spring.

The 38-year-old hurler has been sidelined since early September due to right forearm fatigue. Overall, 2023 has been a rough season for him, as he’s struggled to a 4.70 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and a 43/45 K/BB ratio across 46 innings of work. He’ll look to finish the season strong over the final two weeks.

Rockies’ skipper Bud Black told reporters on Friday that he still expects the 38-year-old hurler to rejoin the team’s bullpen before the regular season concludes. Bard has struggled to a 4.70 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and a 43/45 K/BB ratio over 46 frames on the season.

Bard allowed seven earned runs in his last two appearances, and this injury could explain why. After a career year in 2022, Bard came crashing back to earth, posting a 4.70 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, and 43/45 K/BB ratio across 46 innings (47 appearances).