Rockies’ Closer Daniel Bard Goes on IL Due to Anxiety

Bard: “It’s a hard thing to admit. But I’ve been through this before.”

As the 2023 regular season kicked off on Thursday, the Rockies made a late roster move by placing closer Daniel Bard on the injured list with anxiety issues.

Bard told reporters before Colorado’s game against the Padres that he was grateful for the organization’s understanding of his situation and that he needed to prioritize his mental health over baseball.

“It’s a hard thing to admit. But I’ve been through this before,” Bard said, per Danielle Allentuck of The Gazette. “I have enough going on outside the game to realize what’s important … I’m extremely grateful to be in an organization that understands these things and is accepting.”

Bard broke into the majors with the Red Sox in 2009 at 24 years old, quickly becoming one of the team’s most trusted relievers. His career was derailed and nearly ended, though, after a bout with what’s commonly known as the “yips.” The right-hander last appeared in a game with Boston in ’13, and didn’t return to a big-league mound again until reviving his career in ’20 with the Rockies.

Bard has spent the past two seasons as Colorado’s primary closer. In 57 games, Bard had 34 saves with a 1.79 ERA. He signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Rockies this offseason.