UNC Baseball: Daniel Bard excelling with Colorado Rockies

After not pitching in the big leagues for seven years, Daniel Bard has thrived during his comeback tour with the Colorado Rockies.

Daniel Bard has simply been one of Major League Baseball’s best stories during the 2020 season.

Before the 2020 season, Bard had not appeared in a big league game since the 2013 season. After a seven-year hiatus, Bard returned this year, and earned a spot on the Colorado Rockies Opening Day roster.

In his first appearance back on a big league mound, Bard picked up the victory in relief. No one knew it at the time, but Bard quickly became a valuable member of the team’s bullpen.

So far, Bard has made 18 appearances in 2020, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.50 ERA. Over 18 innings of work, the former Tar Heel has struck out 23 batters while only walking five.

The Rockies are very much still in the National League playoff mix, but were in need of someone who can close the door in the ninth inning. To add to already a remarkable story, the club may have found their new closer in the form of Daniel Bard.

The 35-year-old has had six save attempts so far, and has converted all of his opportunities. As mentioned in the above tweet, Bard now has more saves than three Major League teams do this entire season!

A major part of his success should be attributed to his increase in velocity. The veteran pitcher has had a lot of life on his fastball, as he’s been no stranger to throwing numerous fastballs over 100 MPH.

Bard’s journey back to the big leagues was already an interesting story, but his new-found success in the Rockies bullpen has definitely added to it. If he could continue thriving in his new closer role, Daniel Bard will be a very valuable weapon for manager Bud Black to use late in games down the stretch.

For more on Bard and other former UNC Baseball standouts, please check back with Keeping It Heel.