May 2, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Pitcher of the Month, April: Daniel Bard
Last year's Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year picked up right where he left off this season. After recording 3 saves with a 1.42 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched, Pawtucket closer Daniel Bard has been named the SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Month for April. Just 23 years old, Bard allowed only 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks in 8 April appearances, holding opposing hitters to a .077 batting average and a .413 OPS. He was especially tough when runners reached base, allowing only 1 walk in 17 such plate appearances by opposing hitters, striking out 8. Also named the SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Week for April 9-19, Bard is currently the third ranked prospect in the SoxProspects.com rankings.