| Luke Bard | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Bard with theTampa Bay Rays in 2022 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1990-11-13)November 13, 1990 (age 35) Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| March 31, 2018, for the Los Angeles Angels | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| August 28, 2022, for the New York Yankees | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 4–4 |
| Earned run average | 4.44 |
| Strikeouts | 68 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Luke Francis Bard (born November 13, 1990) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theLos Angeles Angels,Tampa Bay Rays, andNew York Yankees.
Bard attendedCharlotte Christian School inCharlotte, North Carolina, and theGeorgia Institute of Technology, where he playedcollege baseball for theGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets.[1] In 2010 and 2011, he playedcollegiate summer baseball with theBrewster Whitecaps of theCape Cod Baseball League.[2][3]
TheMinnesota Twins selected Bard in the first round of the2012 Major League Baseball draft.[4][5] He signed and made his professional debut that same year with theGulf Coast League Twins before being reassigned to theElizabethton Twins. In seven games between the two teams, he posted a 3.86 ERA. In 2013, he pitched for the GCL Twins, Elizabethton, and theFort Myers Miracle, going 1–0 with a 3.65 ERA in12+1⁄3 total innings pitched between the three teams. He missed 2014 and 2015 due to injury. Bard returned in 2016 and he spent the season with Fort Myers and theChattanooga Lookouts, going 3–1 with a 3.74 ERA in 44 relief appearances. In 2017, he was 4–3 with a 2.76 ERA in65+1⁄3 innings pitched between the Lookouts andRochester Red Wings.[6]
On December 14, 2017, the Angels selected Bard in theRule 5 draft.[7] He made the Angels'Opening Day25-man roster,[8] and made his major league debut on March 31. In eight games for the Angels, Bard compiled a 5.40 ERA with 13 strikeouts across11+2⁄3 innings. On April 21, Bard wasdesignated for assignment by Los Angeles.[9]
On April 27, 2018, Bard was returned to theMinnesota Twins organization.[10] In 32 games for the Triple–ARochester Red Wings, he recorded a 4.66 ERA with 52 strikeouts across48+1⁄3 innings pitched. Bard elected free agency following the season on November 2.[11]
On February 16, 2019, Bard signed a minor league contract with theLos Angeles Angels.[12] He made the team out ofspring training and had his contract purchased before the season. He was sent down multiple times to the minors through the whole season, appearing in only 32 games for the Angels. Bard pitched in5+1⁄3 innings for the Angels in 2020, registering a 6.75 ERA and seven strikeouts.[13]
On March 29, 2021, Bard was placed on the 60-day injured list with a hip injury.[14] On April 8, it was announced that Bard would undergo season-ending hip surgery.[15] Bard hadhip resurfacing surgery on his right hip on May 20, at theHospital for Special Surgery. On October 23, Bard elected free agency.[16]
On March 24, 2022, Bard signed a minor league contract with theTampa Bay Rays.[17] On May 18, Bard was selected to the 40-man roster and immediately optioned to the Triple-ADurham Bulls.[18] Bard pitched for Durham until he was called up by Rays on June 7. The next evening he made his major league return with a one-hit, two-strikeout two-inning outing versus theSt. Louis Cardinals.[19] On August 1, the Rays designated Bard for assignment.[20]
On August 5, 2022, theNew York Yankees claimed Bard off of waivers and assigned him to Triple–A.[21] The Yankees promoted him to the major leagues on August 21.[22] On September 6, Bard was designated for assignment, after only one appearance for the Yankees in which he threw a scoreless inning. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–AScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on September 10.[23] On October 24, Bard elected free agency.
On February 11, 2023, Bard signed a minor league contract with theToronto Blue Jays organization that included a non-roster invitation to spring training.[24] In 16 games (6 starts) for the Triple–ABuffalo Bisons, he registered a 6.15 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 1 save in26+1⁄3 innings of work. Bard was released by Toronto on June 5.[25]
Bard retired from professional baseball shortly thereafter, and returned toNortheastern University to complete his Interdisciplinary Studies degree.[26]
Bard's older brother,Daniel, has also played in the major leagues.[4] His cousin,John Andreoli, is also a former MLB player for theSeattle Mariners,Baltimore Orioles, andSan Diego Padres.[27]