12up Logo

Rockies Sign Ex-Red Sox Reliever Daniel Bard in Remarkable Comeback Attempt

By Brendan Balsamo

Daniel Bard is attempting to make a comeback to the MLB for the third time.
Daniel Bard is attempting to make a comeback to the MLB for the third time. / Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Daniel Bard has had a rough go of it since being drafted as the 28th overall pick in 2006. He debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 2009, posted a 2.88 ERA in three seasons, but in 2012 caught a case of the Yips he just couldn't shake.

Bard is now trying to make his third comeback attempt to MLB after signing with the Colorado Rockies on a minor-league deal, seemingly out of nowhere.

After missing a chunk of 2013 with an injury, Bard was designated for assignment, picked up by the Chicago Cubs, quickly non-tendered, then picked up by the Texas Rangers for 2014. His yips continued, and he was released that June.

Bard's minor league numbers were often astounding levels of objectionable, lowlighted by his 2014 stint at Single-A Hickory, where he hit seven batters and walked nine, allowing 13 earned runs while retiring just two batters. That's a 175.50 ERA!

He attempted to make a comeback twice, once with the St. Louis Cardinals, and once with the New York Mets in 2017, but neither attempt came to fruition. He retired in Jan. 2018, and was given a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks. After throwing for scouts earlier this month, however, he announced another comeback attempt.

For Bard's sake, and the sake of the Rockies' underperforming bullpen, Bard can hopefully come back to the bigs and perform at the level he did from 2009-2011.