Texas Rangers sign former Red Sox pitcher

March 24, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

(51) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former right-handed Boston Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard, who is 28, has been signed by the Texas Rangers to a minor league deal.   Bard recently had surgery to correct an issue in his shoulder, an issue Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

One of Daniel Bard’s former teammates Josh Beckett had the same surgery done back in June of 2013.  Beckett had a successful surgery and was able to bounce back from it.   Although Beckett didn’t return to the majors in 2013, it is likely that Bard could be ready for baseball in a few months.

Bard didn’t pitch much in 2013, but in 2012 he had a record of 5-6 with and ERA of 6.22.  His career numbers are much better.  He has an ERA of 3.67 with 252 strikeouts, WHIP of 1.220 over 257.1 innings.  He has been used as a starter some as a Red Sox, but he’s primarily had success as a reliever.

For the Texas Rangers, Daniel Bard is probably going to be piece they keep in the minors for a bit while he gets back into form.  Bard does still have talent and does have a good chance to make it back to the bullpen for the Texas Rangers.