Back to the MLB Newsfeed

Rockies closer Daniel Bard starting on IL due to anxiety

Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard will open the season on the injured list because of anxiety.

"From my experience, knowing myself, I think just taking a step back, taking time to work through things, get it right, is the best approach," Bard told reporters Thursday, according to MLB.com.

The 37-year-old Bard was a member of Team USA at the just-completed World Baseball Classic, but control issues in a game against Venezuela included an inside pitch to Jose Altuve that broke the hand of the Houston Astros second baseman.

Bard was a standout reliever for the Boston Red Sox early in his career, posting a 1.