Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (knee, elbow) had a setback rehabbing and will undergo season-ending right flexor tendon surgery. After recently throwing off a mound, the banged-up Bard's season suddenly ends before it even begins while also recovering from a cleanup procedure on his left knee. The 38-year-old veteran right-hander is a free agent following the 2024 campaign, and it's unlikely that he'll draw very much interest after walking more batters (49) than he struck out (47) a season ago. Bard spent seven years away from the major leagues before latching on with Colorado in 2020. Justin Lawrence and Tyler Kinley are the names to watch for fantasy purposes for saves-needy managers, but Lawrence has yielded seven runs across five appearances, and Kinley has given up eight runs over six innings thus far.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (knee) was expected to throw off a mound on Tuesday. The Rockies have been careful with Bard, whose platelet-rich plasma shots in his right forearm are a bigger concern than the cleanup operation on his left knee in February. Bard didn't participate in spring training, so he won't be available for the Rocks until May at the earliest. Even though the 38-year-old right-hander struggled to a 4.56 ERA (6.13 FIP), 1.70 WHIP, and an unfathomable 47:49 K:BB through 49 1/3 innings last season, he still might end up receiving the bulk of the save chances when he returns to the mound later this year. Justin Lawrence (9.82 ERA) and Tyler Kinley (13.50 ERA) remain the nominal favorites for saves out of Colorado's bullpen right now, but neither of the two right-handers have separated much in terms of seizing the closing gig to this point.

The Colorado Rockies placed right-hander Daniel Bard (knee) on the 15-day injured list on Thursday after he missed all of spring training following a cleanup procedure on his left knee in the middle of February. In addition to his knee ailment, the 38-year-old veteran has received platelet-rich plasma injections in his right forearm in the offseason. Bard is improving and could be ready to face live hitters in the second week of April. There's a chance that he could make his 2024 season debut before the end of April if he doesn't suffer any setbacks while on a minor-league rehab assignment. Bard again struggled with anxiety last year after recording 54 saves in 2021-22, and Justin Lawrence and Tyler Kinley are now Colorado's primary options for saves, so fantasy managers can ignore Bard.

Doctors performed an arthroscopy/cleanup on Colorado Rockies right-hander Daniel Bard's left knee on Wednesday and did not need to do a meniscus repair as originally believed. The general recovery time frame is one month, which is a little less than the five to seven weeks the team originally believed he'd have to miss. It's good news for the 38-year-old reliever, but he still seems likely to open the 2024 season on the injured list. Bard could be in the mix for saves in Colorado when he's healthy, and at the very least he'll be a candidate for consideration in deep holds leagues, but the Rockies probably won't give their relievers many save chances. He had 54 saves in 2021 and 2022 but is an extremely risky reliever because of his past history with anxiety and the yips.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (knee) is expected to open the 2024 season on the injured list due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. Bard opened last year on the injured list and also ended the 2023 campaign on the injured list due to a right flexor strain. The 38-year-old veteran wasn't really going to be much of a fantasy option to begin with due to the fact that Justin Lawrence is the team's projected closer. In 50 appearances out of Colorado's bullpen last year, Bard had a 4.56 ERA (6.13 FIP) and 1.70 WHIP with one save, 49 walks and 47 strikeouts. He had 54 saves in 2021 and 2022 after returning from a case of the yips, but some of his anxiety issues returned last spring. Fantasy managers should stay away from Bard in all leagues.

The 2023 MLB season is underway and as always, injuries are beginning to pile up. Today we'll look at injured hitters including Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, Corbin Burnes, Robbie Ray, and Trevor May. Searching the waiver wire for fill-in pitchers is already a key aspect of fantasy baseball, so finding replacements for players out of action isn't too much different.For those not yet familiar, this is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of April 20, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will force fantasy managers to search waiver wires in hopes of finding adequate replacements.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the MLB, make sure to favorite or bookmark the ... [More]

The Colorado Rockies reinstated right-hander Daniel Bard (personal) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday and optioned right-hander Peter Lambert to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Bard has been sidelined while he deals with anxiety, and he'll be making his 2023 debut when he gets into a game for the Rockies. The 37-year-old was struggling mightily with his command in spring training and the World Baseball Classic while pitching for Team USA. He was supposed to be the team's primary closer this year, but fantasy managers should expect the Rockies to ease him into high-leverage situations out of the bullpen until he proves he can handle more. If he was dropped and you're in need of holds/saves, though, Bard is worth a speculative pickup off the waiver wire.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard (anxiety), who is on the injured list while dealing with anxiety, remains with the team and has been working on his mechanics. Manager Bud Black said that Bard reached 96 mph during a bullpen session on April 1, which gave the team hope that the mechanical fixes are taking hold. The 37-year-old right-hander was expected to open the 2023 season as Colorado's primary closer, but he struggled with location, delivery and velocity in spring training and the World Baseball Classic while pitching for Team USA. It's good to see Bard's velocity back up, but there's no timetable on when he might make his season debut for the Rockies. Pierce Johnson has picked up the team's lone save in Bard's absence, and he figures to be the best bet for saves in Colorado's 'pen until Bard is back.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard was placed on the injured list Thursday due to anxiety. It's unclear how long Bard will be out, but his mental health is the most important thing here. Bard was struggling in Spring Training but was still set to be the Rockies closer to begin the year after earning 34 saves last season. Hopefully he feels better soon and regains his form. In the meantime, Brad Hand and Pierce Johnson could be looking at more save situations for Colorado.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard continued to lack control and velocity in Monday's 12-8 Cactus League win over the Brewers. The veteran pitched 2/3 of the eighth inning, striking out two but also allowing a run on two hits and two walks. Bard has not appeared to be the pitcher who earned 34 saves with a 1.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 28.2% strikeout rate this spring, as he has struggled both with the Rockies and with Team USA. The fantasy closer landscape has narrowed in recent weeks due to a number of injuries, and Bard is still a considerable fantasy option given what he did last season. However, fantasy managers will not go into the season with a ton of confidence. Bard will be worth keeping an eye on for the first few weeks of the regular season to see if he can correct himself.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black said Monday that he is not concerned about closer Daniel Bard's struggles throughout the World Baseball Classic. The 37-year-old has a massive 43.20 ERA over three games with Team USA; however, Black is not concerned that Bard may be experiencing the yips as he has previously in his career. Bard was a solid fantasy closer in 2022, earning 34 saves with a 1.79 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 28.2% strikeout rate. It is worth noting that Bard did not pitch from 2014-2019 due to struggles with throwing and pitches his home games in Coors Field, which may be of some concern to fantasy managers. Despite this, he appears to have solid job security entering the season and does possess strikeout upside, making him a worthwhile mid-tier closer option to start the season.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard was asked to throw multiple innings during Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bard was fantastic as he struck out six batters while allowing two hits in the win. This notched his 33rd save of the season, which is quite impressive for the 37-year-old reliever. The Rockies aren't very good, so Bard's success hasn't been noticed as much as Edwin Diaz. Despite that, Bard has quietly been one of the best relievers in baseball.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard earned his 28th save of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Braves. Bard came in to shut things down in the bottom of the ninth inning and did just that, delivering a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. The veteran has been a consistent fantasy producer this season despite playing on a less-competitive team, converting all but three save opportunities with a 2.28 ERA and a 10.27 K/9 rate. He should continue to be a valuable player for fantasy managers down the stretch.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard picked up his 26th save of the season in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Rangers. Bard entered to close things out with a one-run lead. He got the first out on a groundout, allowed a double, but was able to strand the tying run after getting a strikeout and ground out. The veteran has been a reliable fantasy option all season long, converting all but three save opportunities with a 2.22 ERA. Bard should be in fantasy managers' lineups for the rest of the season, despite the fact that he plays on the Rockies.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard recorded all three outs via the strikeout Friday night to earn his 25th save of the season in a 7-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. He allowed no hits and one walk. Bard has appeared in 42 games for the Rockies this season, earning a 3-3 record with a 2.11 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings. Despite the disadvantageous home field and team affiliation, Bard has still managed to be a major fantasy asset all year.

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Daniel Bard didn't put together his best outing of the season versus the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. The 37-year-old came into the ninth inning with a three-run lead. The right-hander loaded the bases with one out, but was able to escape with little damage. He notched his 24th save of the season and is posting a 2.16 ERA along the way. Fantasy managers should consider him a safe bet for saves as the primary closer in Colorado.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard closed out his club's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday to collect his 23rd save of the campaign. The right-hander needed just 12 pitches to retire the side in order, picking up one punchout in the clean frame. Fresh off signing a two-year extension, the 37-year-old hasn't shown many signs of age this season by sporting a 1.99 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 45 K through 40 2/3 IP. He's a safe bet to keep stockpiling saves the rest of the way since he's the unquestioned closer in the Mile High City.

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard is signing a two-year contract extension with the Rockies on Saturday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Bard has been excellent for Colorado this season, posting a 1.91 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 43:19 K:BB ratio to go along with 21 saves over 37 2/3 innings. The 37-year-old reliever is now off the trade market, so contending teams will need to look elsewhere for bullpen help with the trade deadline right around the corner. The extension is worth around $19 million, per Feinsand.

The Colorado Rockies are likely to remain quiet at this year's trade deadline, which means it's unlikely they'll deal first baseman C.J. Cron or closer Daniel Bard. The Rockies think they still have a shot at the postseason, so they aren't willing to part with their top players. Multiple teams are interested in Bard as a rental piece, but the Rockies think they have a good chance to re-sign him. He's been excellent this year with a 1.91 ERA and 21 saves. Cron is the team's best player, and the Rockies see him helping them contend in the future. Shortstop Jose Iglesias and right-hander Chad Kuhl are also unlikely to be dealt by Tuesday, while it's possible the team parts ways with veteran reliever Alex Colome, who can give contending teams an experienced relief arm.

Multiple teams are interested in Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard, according to sources. It's not a certainty that the Rockies will trade the impending free agent, but the 37-year-old could be one of the more impactful rentals in this year's relief market with the trade deadline approaching on Aug. 2. Bard has been outstanding as the Rockies closer in 2022, posting a career-low 1.91 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 21 saves, 43 strikeouts and 19 walks in 37 2/3 relief innings. His 21 saves are tied with Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano and Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase for fifth in all of baseball, just seven behind Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers. If the Rockies were to trade Bard by next Tuesday, Alex Colome and Carlos Estevez would be the likely candidates to see save chances the rest of the way.