Boston Red Sox: Daniel Bard making another comeback attempt

One time Boston Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard is once again attempting to make a comeback.

Once upon a time, Daniel Bard was one of the better relievers in the game. The Boston Red Sox flamethrower was a dominant force in the eighth inning, a likely closer had Jonathan Papelbon not been on the roster. However, in 2012, after a failed attempt to convert him to a starter, Bard imploded, losing his control and any ability to throw strikes.

Now, over six years since he last threw a pitch in the majors, Bard is once again attempting to make a comeback. According to reports, he threw in front of scouts recently in his attempt to find his way back to the majors.

This is not his first comeback attempt. He made a dismal appearance in the Puerto Rican Winter League and in the Rangers organization in 2014, issuing a combined 18 walks while hitting ten batters out of the 31 hitters who had the misfortune to step in against him. Those command issues followed to subsequent comeback attempts with the Mets and Cardinals, as Bard could not shake the yips.

Now 34 years old, Bard is not ready to put a possible return aside. He had been able to remain in the game, working as a minor league player mentor in the Diamondbacks organization, allowing him to stay close to the diamond. Yet, the allure of the mound, and his competitive fire, have not gone away.

For a time, Bard was one of the best relievers in the game. From 2009 through 2011, he had posted a 2.88 ERA and a 1.056 WHiP, striking out 213 batters with 76 walks in his 197 innings. Nonetheless, the Red Sox wanted to convert Bard to the rotation, a move that began his long struggle with his control.

If Bard has finally fought through the yips, and is able to secure a contract, his road to recovery will be fascinating to watch. Should he reach the majors, he would be the likely favorite for the Comeback Player of the Year award, especially if he is anything close to the pitcher he had once been.

For now, though, any expectations will need to be tempered until Daniel Bard is back on the mound. The former Boston Red Sox reliever is once again attempting a comeback and hoping that this is the one that works out.