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Red Sox Demote Daniel Bard to Triple-A

By Blaine Blontz
BOSTON, MA - JULY 06: Daniel Bard #51 of the Boston Red Sox heads in during a rain delay in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 6, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 06: Daniel Bard #51 of the Boston Red Sox heads in during a rain delay in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 6, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The Boston Red Sox have demoted starting pitcher Daniel Bard to Triple-A, according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe. Bard, who’s struggled as a starter for the Red Sox this season, gave up five earned runs in only 1 2/3 innings Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Red Sox demoted Bard to make room on their roster for recently-activated outfielder Darnell McDonald, reports Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald.

After spending the past few seasons pitching out of the Red Sox bullpen, Bard was named a starter this spring. The experiment hasn’t gone so well for Bard or Boston, as the right-hander has struggled to an ERA and WHIP of 5.24 and 1.618. Bard’s strikeout totals have plummeted (5.6 SO/9) while he’s walked over six batters per nine innings.

Bard started out the season well enough, posting an ERA of 3.72 through his four April starts. Things got uglier in May when Bard allowed 19 earned runs over his 34 innings pitched.

Bard’s command, or lack thereof, has been his main issue this season. Opponents have hit .259 against Bard while he’s surrendered 27 walks over his last 35 2/3 innings of work.

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