Bard earned the save, striking out one in the ninth inning in a 6-5 win Tuesday over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Bard recorded his fifth save of the season after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He is now 5-for-6 in save chances on the season. The 36-year-old has notoriously struggled with his command throughout his year and allowed 4.9 BB/9 in 2021. This season, however, he has not yet allowed a walk while striking out seven in six innings of work. The Rockies are tied for first place and Bard is tied for the National League lead in saves.

Bard picked up the save during Saturday's 9-6 win against the Cubs, allowing one hit with one strikeout in the ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Bard allowed a two-out single before striking out Willson Contreras to nail down his second save in as many nights. The outings haven't been as dominant since he struck out the side in his first appearance, but the 36-year-old has yet to err, with a save or win in all five appearances for the up-start Rockies.

Bard recorded the save Friday against the Cubs despite giving up one run on two hits across one inning. He struck out one and tossed a wild pitch.

EDGE Analysis

Bard gave up an RBI double to Patrick Wisdom and had a runner on third with two outs, but he closed things out when Michael Hermosillo popped out to second base. Bard has earned three saves in four chances and has given up runs in two of his four outings to date.

Bard saved Tuesday's 4-1 triumph over the Rangers, allowing a hit and HBP in a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

One night after blowing the save, Bard was able to work out of a 2-on-1-out jam to secure the Colorado victory. The 36-year-old should see increased save opportunities in the early going with a Colorado off to a hot start.

Bard (1-0) allowed a solo home run in the ninth inning to blow the save, though he also was awarded a win, Monday against Texas.

EDGE Analysis

Bard entered the game in the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He retired the first two batters he faced but allowed a pinch-hit solo home run to Willie Calhoun to blow his first save of the season. The Colorado offense picked him up one inning later, so Bard did manage to secure a win despite the stumble. Though early, Bard has been used in each of the Rockies' save situations to this point in the campaign, so he appears to be the preferred closer.

Bard was credited with the save Saturday against the Dodgers after striking out the side.

EDGE Analysis

Bard entered the game in the ninth with a one-run lead and while he needed 17 pitches to get the job done, 11 of those were strikes and he ended striking out the side after facing Justin Turner, Edwin Rios and Cody Bellinger. He's expected to begin the year in a closer committee, but this was clearly a step in the right direction to gain the job on a regular basis.

Bard will likely be part of a three-man closing committee to begin the regular season, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bard avoided arbitration with the Rockies in late November by agreeing to a one-year, $4.4 million deal, but the team also brought in Alex Colome during the offseason, while Carlos Estevez is also in the mix. Bard saw plenty of ninth-inning work last year and converted 20 of 28 save chances with a 5.21 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 65.2 innings across 67 appearances. The 36-year-old struggles against left-handed hitters, and manager Bud Black indicated Wednesday that he'll be able to ride the hot hand among the three pitchers since none of them have very expensive contracts. While Bard should get a chance at some ninth-inning duties early in the year, he'll need to improve against lefties if he hopes to remain in the committee.

Bard re-signed with the Rockies on a one-year, $4.4 million deal, avoiding arbitration,Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bard's major-league career began back in 2009, but he was still eligible for arbitration thanks to his long time away from the majors from 2014 to 2019. He saved 20 games for the Rockies last season but was removed from the closer role late in the year, finishing with a 5.21 ERA, a mark which isn't good even after adjusting for Coors Field. Depending on who the Rockies bring in over the winner, it's possible he works his way back into the ninth inning next season, but he'll be a lower-tier closer at best even if that happens.

Bard (7-8) allowed three earned runs on one hit and two walks while striking out two across two-thirds innings, taking the loss to the Giants on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Bard entered the ninth inning in a tie game, but quickly surrendered the lead. He allowed two walks and a single before being relieved by Tyler Kinley. Kinley gave up a three-run homer to Brandon Crawford, which allowed the other two runners that Bard was responsible for to score. Bard broke his streak of seven straight appearances without allowing a run. He has a 5.40 ERA and 1.67 WHIP with 76 strikeouts in 61.2 innings this season.

Bard (7-7) took the loss in Saturday's 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Dodgers, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks without recording an out.

EDGE Analysis

One day after Bud Black stated Bard was no longer the team's closer, Bard validated his manager's decision by permitting four baserunners and three runs without getting any outs. He's now surrendered multiple runs in three of his last four appearances and owns an 11.42 ERA in 8.2 August innings.