Another member of the Buffalo Bisons’ pitching staff is moving on. According to the team’s transactions page, right-handed pitcher Luke Bard, the brother of Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard, has been released.
Less than two weeks after signing Chad Green, the Blue Jays have added another former Yankees reliever. Toronto signed right-hander Luke Bard to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Saturday, the team announced.
For the no-risk cost of a minor league deal, the team will get a chance to observe the 32-year-old in spring training and see if he can be a candidate for a bullpen job.
Five Yankees minor leaguers have elected free agency, according to MiLB.com’s transaction tracker. The list includes first baseman Ronald Guzmán and pitchers Anthony Banda, Luke Bard, Jacob Barnes and Chi Chi González.
The Yankees have claimed right-hander Luke Bard off waivers from the Rays, reports Lindsey Adler of The Athletic (Twitter link). Tampa Bay designated Bard for assignment earlier in the week.
The Rays surely have their own ideas on how to get the most out of Bard, who can be controlled through at least the 2025 season if he makes the roster and enjoys a late-blooming breakout.