Bard hasn't authored his final verse in Majors

DENVER -- Daniel Bard is willing to see whether he has another comeback in him.

Bard hoped to finish 2024 -- the second and final year of his $19 million contract -- back in the role of Rockies closer. But a knee injury delayed his Spring Training, and then he sustained a right elbow flexor tendon injury that required surgery on May 1. The injury has the potential to end his career, considering Bard turned 39 on July 25 and has the pull of a young family.

Bard visited Dr. Keith Meister, who performed the operation, on Tuesday for a four-month checkup. The judgment was that the arm is healing on schedule. Bard, whose story includes him earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award with the Rockies in 2020 after a control problems knocked him out of the Majors in 2013 with the Red Sox, is proceeding as if the goal is to return to the mound next season.

“I’m still planning to pursue it, as long as everything goes well,” said Bard, who for most of the season has been in the clubhouse offering his experience to Rockies pitchers. “It’s going to be a while until I really know where I’m at -- probably March or April, I’ll start to get a good feel.”

Bard, who will be a free agent, said that if all continues well, he can start playing catch in November. Three months later, he could be cleared for bullpen sessions.

Bard’s best year with the Rockies was 2022, when he went 6-4 with a 1.79 ERA and earned 34 saves. The fruit of that year was his new contract. But by that season’s end, he dealt with arm pain.

In 2023, a difficult World Baseball Classic, a season-opening injured list placement for anxiety -- connected to his inability to find fastball velocity -- and forearm issues during the year led to the loss of the closer role. He still made 50 appearances.

Going into this season, Bard had a freak knee injury and the forearm issue lingered until he could pitch no more.

If Bard completes a second comeback, will it be with the Rockies? Bard knows the road will most likely involve signing a non-roster contract and pushing his way back to the Majors. That’s what happened last time. The Rockies jumped after watching Bard in a tryout. He had been working as a mental skills coach with the Diamondbacks.

“If they make me an offer … that’s kind of where I’m at,” Bard said. “We haven’t talked about it yet, which I understand from their side, too.”

Through his time in Colorado, Bard has had one manager, Bud Black. Bard also has worked continuously with Darryl Scott, first as bullpen coach and then pitching coach.

“I’ve had an unbelievable time here,” Bard said, “and I value a lot of relationships -- Buddy Darryl -- and thank them for taking a chance on me five years ago.”