Boston Red Sox Send Daniel Bard to Minor Leagues

The Boston Red Sox have made the move that they had to make after throwing Daniel Bard into the starting rotation to begin the season.

Bard has been optioned to Triple-A, according to Sean McAdam of Comcast Sports Net:

"

Confirmed: Bard optioned to Pawtucket, Darnell McDonald activated in his spot. #RedSoxTalk

"

"— Sean McAdam(@Sean_McAdam) June 5, 2012"

The move comes on the heels of yet another meltdown by Bard in which he allowed five runs, walked six and hit two batters in 1.2 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Bard has an ERA of 5.24 this season and a stunning 37 walks to go with only 34 strikeouts. The starting job simply was not suiting Bard and he will likely go to Triple-A Pawtucket to work things out.

The Red Sox can't afford to have Bard in the big leagues pitching the way he has this season. He is not able to fix what is bothering him and only continues to be lit up by big-league lineups. The demotion is the best thing that could have happened for Bard.

Truly, the best thing that could have happened for Bard would have been if he kept his bullpen role that he successfully perfected over the last three seasons. Last season his WHIP was an impressive 0.96.

Bard will likely be a starter when he returns, but it would not be shocking if the Red Sox decide to add him to the bullpen either.

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