Colorado Rockies: Daniel Bard deserves more credit for Rox early success

There is a lot of credit to go around for the Colorado Rockies’ 15-10 record to start the 2022 season. On a game-to-game basis, there seems to be a different player who has helped propel the Rockies to a victory. However, there is one player who has been the most consistent … but has received little to no praise for the Rockies’ early success. It is time to change that.

Daniel Bard has quietly once again become one of MLB’s best closers and a dependable option late in the game for the Colorado Rockies

In 10 appearances out of the Colorado Rockies bullpen, Bard is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings of work. He is third in the National League with eight saves (in nine opportunities) and, in that lone blown save, he earned the win as the Rockies won the game against the Texas Rangers in extra innings.

The key to Bard’s success has been the lack of walks. So far, he has not walked a single batter while striking out 13. He has also only surrendered six total hits to put his WHIP at a minuscule 0.60, which is fifth-best in the NL for relievers who have pitched a minimum of 10 innings.

A reason for the little credit Bard has received is because entering the season, it was not known whether or not he would be the Rockies’ full-time closer. After the signing of Alex Colomé in the offseason, there was question as to who would be earn the role or if the Rockies would go to a closer-by-committee. After Colomé’s early struggles, Bard solidified himself as Colorado’s permanent closer.

Another reason is that, early on, Bard was creating some traffic on the bases. In his first five appearances, he allowed five of his six total hits. All of that has changed as he retired 14 consecutive batters between April 16 and Thursday’s outing when he gave a single with one out in the ninth in the win over the Nationals.

The Rockies’ early success can be attributed to many different players, but the dominance in the back end of the bullpen, specifically Daniel Bard, has put the team in prime position to compete in the NL West.