Daniel Bard Sent Down To Double-A Portland Sea Dogs
BOSTON (CBS) -- Daniel Bard will not be starting the season in the major leagues. In fact, he won't even be in Triple-A.
The Red Sox announced Thursday afternoon that Bard had been optioned to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.
The club also announced that Mauro Gomez was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket and that shortstop Stephen Drew was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list.
Bard, 27, appeared in 192 games as a reliever in his first three seasons in the majors. Last year, the Red Sox transitioned him into a starting role, a role which didn't suit Bard well. He went 4-6 with a 5.30 ERA, striking out 34 batters while walking 36 and hitting another eight. He then went to the minors to reacclimate himself to a reliever's role, and when he returned to the Red Sox, he posted a 16.20 ERA in seven appearances.
This spring, Bard posted a 6.75 ERA in eight appearances.
Thursday's announcement made no mention of Jackie Bradley Jr. The much-anticipated decision on whether the young outfielder will break camp with the big team has yet to be made.
