Red Sox recalled RHP Daniel Bard from Double-A Portland. Bard has compiled an underwhelming 4.00 ERA and 4/4 K/BB ratio in nine innings over eight appearances this season, bu the Red Sox need a fresh arm for their bullpen. He may only be on the roster until John Lackey or Craig Breslow return from the disabled list.

The Red Sox will recall Daniel Bard prior to Wednesday's game. Bard has put up an uninspiring 4.50 ERA and 4/4 K/BB ratio over eight innings this season at Double-A, but the Sox evidently feel he can help out. He'll be used in low-leverage situations for the time being.

Red Sox optioned RHP Daniel Bard to Double-A Portland. The move means that Clayton Mortensen has won the final bullpen spot. Bard had some ups and downs this spring, but ultimately finished with a 6.75 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio over 7 2/3 innings. The Red Sox are hoping that the move to Double-A will put him on the road back to being a useful reliever.

Daniel Bard surrendered three runs in his inning out of the pen Wednesday against the Marlins. Bard was destined for Triple-A when the spring began, but with injuries opening up two spots in the pen, the door opened for him to make the team. Now it's likely slammed shut again. Bard had some nice outings earlier this month, but he's given up seven runs -- six earned -- in his last three appearances.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington indicated Thursday that Daniel Bard might open the season with Triple-A Pawtucket. Bard had a streak of five straight scoreless get snapped Tuesday when he allowed three runs on two hits, a walk and a hit batsman over one inning against the Orioles. Cherington is happy with his progress, but added that he's "probably not all way to where he wants to be."

Daniel Bard surrendered his first three runs of the spring Tuesday against the Orioles. With Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales both DL bound, the door is slightly ajar for Bard to win a bullpen spot. This won't help, though. Even if he does make the team out of spring training, odds are that he'll be sent down in mid-April.

Rather than have him work an inning in Friday's game as originally planned, the Red Sox opted to have Daniel Bard work on his delivery with pitching coach Juan Nieves in a non-game situation. He'll work with Nieves on Saturday in an effort to make his lower half stronger, and give him more direction in his stride. Bard will then take Sunday off and will return to game action on Monday. Whether he reclaims his former glory or not, Bard offers very little appeal in fantasy leagues, as he's the third option for saves in the Red Sox bullpen.

Daniel Bard struck out the side in his inning of work against Northeastern on Thursday. Bard reportedly touched 94 mph, which is pretty encouraging for his first outing of the spring. He did allow a single to the first batter he faced before striking out three in a row. Since Bard has options left and the Red Sox pen is very crowded, he needs to turn in a very impressive spring in order to avoid a trip to Pawtucket to start the year.

Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard left a positive impression with manager John Farrell after throwing live batting practice on Saturday. Coming off a dreadful 2012 season, Bard has worked hard over the offseason to correct some mechanical flaws in his delivery. Farrell noted on Saturday that his mechanics are back to the form he displayed during his impressive 2010 season. Even with a return to form however, Bard doesn't offer much fantasy value as he's at best the third option for saves in the Red Sox bullpen.

Red Sox manager John Farrell watched Daniel Bard throw last weekend and said the righty is throwing with "power" again and that he's back to his "normal" arm slot. After an attempt last season to convert to a starter proved disastrous, Bard will be back in the bullpen in 2013 where he belongs. He posted a 2.88 ERA and 9.7 K/9 rate out of the pen from 2009-11 and stands a good chance at a bounce-back year this season. Bard will at least start out pitching the middle innings in what should be a dynamic Red Sox bullpen.