Red Sox Report: Bard Sent Down To Pawtucket

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

Two days ago we suggested that it was possible that Daniel Bard could be sent down to the minors. Today the Boston Red Sox optioned the starting pitcher to Pawtucket.

Bard has struggled this season as he makes the transition from relief pitcher to starter. He is (5-6) with an ERA of 5.24. Bard’s biggest problem has been control. In 55 innings of work this season, he has walked 37 and hit 8 more batters.

And that’s not the only problem for Bard. His velocity is significantly down from where it was prior to this season which is a major problem for a guy who relies on an overpowering fastball.

Bard regularly hit 97-98 mph on the radar gun when he was summoned from the bullpen as a set-up man for former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. Now he is topping out in the low 90’s which is a concern for the organization.

"That’s part of the mechanical mystery," said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. "There are times in the bullpen when he has everything in sync and he's able to crank it up. Between the wind-up and the stretch and center stage, it seems like he gets out of that a little. That’s one of the things he’ll be searching for to try and nail down. So when he wants to, he can add a little."

While Bard’s decreased velocity may be an indication of some type of physical problem, it appears that he may be struggling mentally as well as he attempts to make the transition from dominant reliever to serviceable starter.

Valentine claims that Bard is on board with the decision which he believes is best for both Bard and the organization.

Bard will likely report to Pawtucket tomorrow and be inserted into the Pawsox rotation. The plan is to continue to try to develop him as a starting pitcher.

Outfielder Darnell McDonald was called up from Pawtucket and activated for Tuesday night’s game against the Orioles at Fenway.

It’s also worth noting that Diasuke Matsuzaka was limited to just 3 innings of work tonight for the Pawsox meaning he will likely be called up to take Bard’s spot in the Boston rotation.

NOTES:

-Heading into Tuesday night’s game against Baltimore, starter Jon Lester was (14-0) lifetime against the Orioles in 19 career starts against the Birds.

-The once-hot Orioles have cooled off considerably since racing out to first place in the American League East. Baltimore was (27-14) and on top of the division standings on May 19th. Since that time they have gone (3-10) over their last 13 games heading into Tuesday’s opener at Fenway dropping their record to (30-24) and into second place behind the Tampa Bay Rays. They have been outscored 66-46 during that stretch.

-Second baseman Dustin Pedroia was back in the Boston line-up after missing the last 6 games with a torn adductor muscle in his right thumb. He played second and batted second in the line-up. He wears a protective guard for the thumb when hitting.

-After taking a shortstop and a pitcher out of college in the first round of the Major League baseball amateur draft on Monday, the Red Sox added more arms to the organization in day 2 of the draft. The Sox used their next 6 selections (rounds 2-7) exclusively on right-handed pitchers. Here’s a list of who Boston selected on day 2 of the draft:

Round 2, No. 87: RHP Jamie Callahan, Dillon HS, South Carolina

Round 3, No. 118: RHP Austin Maddox, University of Florida

Round 4, No. 151: RHY Ty Buttrey, Providence Senior High School, North Carolina

Round 5, No. 181: RHP Mike Augliera, Binghamton U., New York

Round 6, No. 211: RHP Justin Haley, Fresno State, California

Round 7, No. 241: RHP Kyle Kraus, University of Portland, Oregon

Round 8, No. 271: 1B Nathan Minnich, Shepherd College, West Virginia

Round 9, No. 301: SS Michael Miller, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California

Round 10, No. 331: C James Watkins, US Military Academy, New York

Round 11, No. 361: CF Jamal Martin, William Dwyer HS, Florida

Round 12, No. 391: SS Mike Meyers, Silverado HS, Nevada

Round 13, No. 421: RHP Jeffrey Wendelken, Middle Georgia College, Georgia