The Minnesota Twins lost a former first round draft pick to the Los Angeles Angels during the Rule 5 draft. However, the Angels have decided to offer him back to the Twins to open up space on their roster.
Luke Bard is a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher that the Minnesota Twins had a lot of hope for. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent performance have kept Bard from fully reaching his potential. However, Bard still has time to make an impact for the Twins at the Major League level.
The Twins drafted Bard in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft and had big plans for his future. His Minor League career has not gone nearly as well as he expected, but all is not lost for his MLB dream.
Bard made his MLB debut for the Angels this season and considering his lack of readiness, he wasn’t terrible. He appeared in eight games and had a 5.40 ERA in only 11 2/3 innings pitched. However, he did allow seven earned runs over that short stretch and looks over matched at the MLB level.
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Why this is good for the Twins
The Minnesota Twins bullpen has been going through a brutal stretch over the previous week and a half. At some point, reinforcements will be needed and Bard has a chance to pitch himself into consideration. Although his brief stint with the Angels was less than impressive, Bard was able to work through those first timer jitters.
However, with pitchers like Alan Busenitz and John Curtiss ahead of him, Bard will have to wait his turn. He has had enough recent success in the Minors to give the Twins front office hope for his future.
He pitched 65 1/3 innings with a 2.41 ERA for the Twins top two Minor League teams during the 2017 season. Bard has the chance to develop into a high-leverage reliever in the big leagues. However, he needs to work on limiting baserunners before he can expect another MLB chance.
With the current state of the Minnesota Twins bullpen Bard should expect to see action in MLB again during the 2018 season. He has a chance to solidify a role for the future if he can get outs when he gets his opportunity. Bard has the potential to be a special piece for Minnesota’s future. Now, he just needs to realize his potential.
Next: Take a look at these hot starts from Twins Minor Leaguers
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