By Josh Maurer & Will Flemming

Instead of making his second start of the year for the PawSox, tonight Red Sox right-hander Daniel Bard will come out of the Pawtucket bullpen.

“I didn’t want to start if I’m just going one inning,” Bard said from the PawSox clubhouse.

At what point tonight will Bard be pitching? “I’d rather not know,” he said. The hope is to fully replicate the feel of working out of the bullpen where he’s had such success since joining the Red Sox.

Bard faced seven batters in his one inning Friday night. Although he allowed three runs, he only gave up one hard hit, a two-run double to left-center field. (Louriann Mardo-Zayat)

Bard went one inning in his recent start Friday night against Indianapolis. He allowed three runs on two hits while striking out two and hitting two batters as well.

Instead of Bard, Billy Buckner makes his second start tonight for the PawSox, his first against Gwinnett. First pitch tonight from McCoy is set for 7:05, pre-game coverage starts at 6:50.

Talk with you then.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith

agoldsmith@pawsox.com