Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette says that Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard will start the season on the disabled list because of stress.
Bard, who is 37 years old, didn’t play in the big leagues from 2013 to 2019 because he had the yips, which is what pitchers usually call the condition where they can’t throw strikes. Bard said this wasn’t the first time he’s had anxiety problems, but he thanked the Rockies for being willing to help him.
“It’s hard to admit,” he told Allentuck and other people. “But this has happened to me before. I know what’s important because of things going on outside of games… I’m very thankful to work for a company that gets these things and is accepting of them.
Bard has played for the Rockies for the past three years. His ERA is 3.58 (135 ERA+) and his strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.48 in 147 games. Last year, he threw well enough that he was considered for the National League Most Valuable Player Award after the first round.
This spring, Bard threw in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA. Unfortunately, that game was looked at closely because manager Mark DeRosa took too long to address Bard’s command problems. Bard gave up two walks, hit a batter, and threw a wild pitch without recording an out.
At the time, Rockies manager Bud Black said, “He’s pitching for his country in front of a big crowd.” There were only a few rides with us this spring, and Daniel’s delivery has a lot of moving parts. He was just not right.”
They will play their first game of the season on Thursday night in San Diego against the Padres. Germán Márquez will likely face Blake Snell in the starting pitcher battle. The first pitch is set for 9:40 p.m. ET.
Rockies Closer Daniel Bard To Open Season On Il While Working Through Anxiety Its A Hard Thing To Admit
