June 5, 2012 at 4:20 PM
Daniel Bard optioned to Pawtucket
The Red Sox announced this afternoon that outfielder Darnell McDonald has been activated from the 15-day disabled list, and in the corresponding move Daniel Bard was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Bard, 26, had not appeared in the minor leagues since his contract was purchased from Pawtucket on May 10, 2009. Originally called up as a reliever, Bard pitched exclusively out of the bullpen through the end of the 2011 season. He entered into the 2012 season attempting to move into the starting rotation, has struggled with his command during the transition, with a 5.24 ERA, 37 walks and only 34 strikeouts in 55.0 innings pitched. His worst outing of the season came this past Sunday, when he walked 6 and hit 2 batters while allowing 5 runs in only 1.2 innings.
It is not yet known whether Bard will continue to work as a starter with Pawtucket or if he will transition back to the bullpen.