The Toronto Blue Jays inked free-agent right-hander Luke Bard to a minor-league deal on Saturday with an invitation to major-league spring training. The team also invited non-roster catcher Jamie Richie to big-league camp. Bard pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees last year, going a combined 1-1 with a sparkling 1.80 ERA (3.85 FIP), 0.93 WHIP and eight strikeouts in just 15 innings pitched over nine appearances out of the bullpen. The 32-year-old will be hoping to win a relief spot in Toronto's bullpen out of spring training, but he'll be well off the fantasy radar if he does. Bard has four seasons of big-league experience and has posted a 4.44 ERA (5.05 FIP), 1.11 WHIP and 20.4 percent strikeout rate in 81 innings over 55 appearances (three starts).
The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-handed pitcher Luke Bard to a minor league deal on Thursday. The 31-year-old right-hander appeared in 46 games (three starts) for the Los Angeles Angels from 2018-20, posting a 5.05 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 innings pitched. He missed all of the 2021 season after having hip surgery in April. Bard will simply be providing relief depth for the Rays this year and will most likely begin the season in the minor leagues.
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Luke Bard (hip) will undergo season-ending hip surgery, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ardaya adds that expected recovery time for the surgery is six to eight months. Bard has been a high strikeout reliever in the Angels bullpen the past few years with a career 21.8 percent strikeout rate, but he struggled in two spring appearances this year by allowing six runs on six hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings of work. He likely wasn't going to have much value outside of deeper SV/HLD formats, but it's yet another instance of the injury curse plaguing the Angels' pitching staff.
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Luke Bard is now starting Thursday's contest as an opener, with original starter Felix Pena to follow and pitch the bulk of the innings against the Detroit Tigers. It's easier to just avoid situations like this in DFS and roll with a standard starting pitcher, even though Detroit has a rather mediocre offense. Additionally, Pena has allowed six home runs in 26 2/3 innings, which is fueling a 4.05 ERA and 5.16 FIP. With 27 strikeouts against just seven walks, he can still be started in AL-only leagues Thursday, even with the opener.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Luke Bard will get the "start" against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. The Angels plan on using Bard as the opener and then going to right-hander Felix Pena out of the bullpen. Bard is likely only going to pitch a few innings, so DFS players can stay away from Bard.
The Los Angeles Angels have returned reliever Luke Bard back to the Minnesota Twins. Bard was a Rule 5 draft selection back in December, but was DFA'd earlier in the week when the Angels needed a fresh arm. Bard had a 5.40 ERA in 11 2/3 innings with the Angels, although he did strike out 13 hitters. He may someday be an asset in holds leagues, but should not be owned in any formats at this point.
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Luke Bard was designated for assignment by the organization on Saturday. His seven-day DFA period ends on Saturday. The Twins can bring the Rule 5 pick back to their organization for $50,ooo and then they can option him to the minors. Bard struck out 13 batters over 11 2/3 innings with a 5.40 ERA in eight appearances with the Angels. He could be a useful bullpen piece at some point, but he should be left on the waiver wire right now.
The Los Angeles Angels have designated right-hander Luke Bard for assignment. Bard was originally a Rule 5 selection from the Minnesota Twins, but had an ugly 5.40 ERA in 11 2/3 innings with the Angels. Still, his 13/5 K/BB ratio was solid, so it wouldn't be shocking if another team gave him a chance. If they don't, he will be offered back to the Twins.
The Los Angeles Angels have re-assigned reliever Felix Pena, allowing both Noe Ramirez and Rule 5 Draft selection Luke Bard to crack the roster. Optioning Pena was the only option that allowed the Angels to keep all three, as Bard would have to be returned to the Twins and Ramirez was out of options. Neither Bard nor Ramirez are likely to factor into the mix for saves, with Blake Parker, Cam Bedrosian, Jim Johnson and Keynan Middleton all in the fold.
The Los Angeles Angels used the 12th pick in the Rule 5 draft to select relief pitcher Luke Bard from the Twins organization. Bard was a supplemental first-round pick by the club in 2012 and spent last year in between Double-A and Triple-A. He posted a sharp 2.76 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old has a strong case to make the Angels roster as a bullpen member.
