Red Sox Send Daniel Bard to the Minors

In a move that was warranted, the Red Sox announced Monday afternoon that they have sent struggling starter Daniel Bard to triple-A Pawtucket according to Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald.

The move comes only a couple of days since Bard was removed from the worst start of his career in Toronto on Sunday in what has been a

lousy attempt at converting to a full-time starter.  Bard was yanked in the second inning after struggling with his command for yet another game going 1.2 innings, giving up just one hit but walking six and hitting two batters en route to coughing up 5 runs, all earned.  His ERA on the season sits at 5.24 and has now walked more than he’s struck out, 37 to 34.

Lauber goes on to report that the move creates room for Darnell McDonald to be reactivated from the DL and will join the big club tonight as they play host to the Baltimore Orioles.

The demotion of Bard doesn’t necessarily spell the end of his starting experiment but with Daisuke Matsuzaka set to start tonight in Pawtucket, in what could be his last rehab start, Bard could be heading back to the bullpen when he returns.  Regardless of where he pitches when he rejoins the Red Sox, a stint in the minors is just what he needs to straighten out his mechanics, rediscover his fastball velocity and gain some much needed confidence.

There will be more to come on this and as it unfolds we’ll keep you informed so check back often for the latest updates.