Rockies bring back standout closer Bard

The Colorado Rockies activated pitcher Daniel Bard from the 15-day injured list Wednesday ahead of the team’s series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates after the star closer had been out since March 30 due to anxiety.

“It feels good to have Daniel back,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The last two weeks have been really positive for Daniel. We’re hoping that he can help, and he will. He’s a big part of our bullpen.”

Bard threw one inning in his team’s loss Wednesday, giving up no hits or runs on nine pitches.

Last season, Bard ranked third among all National League pitchers with a career-high 34 saves. He earned the save in 91.9% of his appearances, the best mark in MLB in 2022 and the second-best percentage in a single season in Rockies franchise history.

Bard pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but struggled with control, displayed most notably when he threw a pitch inside against Venezuela that broke the hand of Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.

“It’s been a good few weeks and the support has been overwhelming from the team and everybody around me, family,” Bard said. “Still a work in progress, but I feel good.”

To make room for Bard, the Rockies optioned righthander Peter Lambert to

Triple-a Albuquerque.

Pierce Johnson served as Colorado’s closer in Bard’s absence, posting a 5.40 ERA and three saves in seven appearances. PIRATES’ CHOI OUT TWO MONTHS >> Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ji Man Choi will miss the next eight weeks with a left Achilles tendon strain, the team said.

Choi was scratched from the lineup prior to Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with what the team described as “left posterior ankle discomfort.”

The 31-year-old is expected to be in a walking boot for several weeks before resuming light baseball activities.

Choi is batting just .125 this season, but had improved in the final three games before his injury by going .231 with two homers.

He was acquired by the Pirates in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in November and signed to a $4.65 million contract after losing an arbitration case.

Carlos Santana has served as Pittsburgh’s primary first baseman this season, with a 2.46 average, 10 RBIS and two home runs. MARLINS PITCHER ROGERS EXITS WITH FOREARM TIGHTNESS >> Miami Marlins left-hander Trevor Rogers left his start against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning because of left forearm tightness. The 25-year-old had completed a season-high six innings and got the win in his previous start against Arizona on Friday.