Rockies closer Daniel Bard sta...

Colorado Rockies are getting closer. Daniel Bard began the Major League Baseball season on the 15-day disabled list. Bard, who battled the yips for seven seasons, told reporters that his stay on the IL is due to worry both on and off the field.

"From my experience — knowing myself — I think just taking a step back, taking time to work through things, getting it right," Bard told MLB.com's Thomas Harding.

Bard, 37, is in his fourth season with the Rockies, having served as the team's main closer for the previous two. After a seven-year absence from MLB, he signed the Rockies in 2020.

Former first-round draft pick hampered by control issues

In 2009, Bard made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox. Bard, a first-round draft pick in 2006, recorded a 3.65 ERA as a rookie before advancing to become one of baseball's most successful relievers in his second season, recording a 1.93 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 74.2 innings.

Control problems took over by his fourth season in 2012. Bard's WHIP increased from 0.959 to 1.736 this season. In 59.1 innings, he had a 6.22 ERA and a 38-to-43 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The following season, he only threw one MLB inning before issuing 69 walks and 16 HBPs in 19 1/3 innings of minor-league action with various teams. After 2013, he appeared to be done with baseball.

Bard returns with Rockies, thrives as closer

Bard returned to MLB as a part of the Rockies' Opening Day squad for the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. In his first start, he earned a victory by tossing 20 of his 25 pitches for strikes. That season, he had a 3.65 ERA and led the club with six saves.

He had a 5.61 ERA with 20 saves in 65.1 innings the following season. He demonstrated the stuff that made him a top prospect in 2022, posting a 1.79 ERA, 34 saves, 69 strikeouts, and 25 walks in 60.1 innings. His WHIP of 0.994 was the second-best of his career. He even received MVP nominations.

Control issues resurfaced at WBC

During the World Baseball Classic, Bard was a part of Team USA, and his control problems resurfaced during a March 19 game against Venezuela. He pitched the fifth inning of USA's 9-7 victory, issuing two walks, hitting a batter, throwing an errant pitch, and allowing a single. He was credited with four runs without an out. In one of the sprints, he strolled.

The Rockies did not provide a timetable or explain why Bard was sent to the minor leagues on Thursday. However, while meeting with media, Bard revealed himself. Prior to Thursday's game against the San Diego Padres, the Rockies summoned up right-handed reliever Jake Bird.