Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard will begin the season on the injured list as he deals with anxiety.
“It’s a hard thing to admit. But I’ve been through this before. I have enough going on outside the game to realize what’s important,” Bard said (via Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette). “I’m extremely grateful to be in an organization that understands these things and is accepting.”
As Bard noted, he’s dealt with similar issues before. A one-time rising star with the Boston Red Sox from 2009 through 2012, he suddenly lost command of his control and bounced around the minors for several seasons before retiring in 2017. But he made a highly publicized comeback in 2020, earning the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He posted a 1.79 ERA with 34 saves last season.
However, Bard struggled on Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, with a disastrous outing against Venezuela in the quarterfinals. Bard walked two, threw two wild pitches and hit a batter (José Altuve suffered a broken thumb on the play) and giving up four earned runs without recording an out.
Given Bard’s past struggles, baseball fans filled Twitter with positive thoughts and well wishes for the Rockies right-hander.
Bard is the real deal. Hoping for the best for him. https://t.co/rWoIoqnVrr
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) March 30, 2023
Good for him. Mental health is easily as important as physical health https://t.co/VJ1dhdTIZG
— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) March 30, 2023
Hope he gets better Red Sox legend and awesome story🙏
— Lil Twist Goat (@hiphoptwist) March 30, 2023
Aw man @WTP4621 – this is what we were worried about in that WBC semi. Hope he gets better soon!
— jpkmets 👻 🔱 ⚾️ SZN (@jpkmets) March 30, 2023
I feel his pain and wish maybe he didn’t expose himself to such a big stage when he wasn’t ready. I also am pissed at the coaching staff of the USA team for not having a clue. Hope he gets his feet back under hm quickly.
— Bill Pulsipher (@WTP4621) March 30, 2023
Wishing him all the best and happy he’s talking about one of the most enigmatic sports challenges
— New Royal Rooters (@NewRoyalRooters) March 30, 2023
