The Chicago Cubs have held internal discussions about the possibility of acquiring Boston Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard, reports Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.

The Red Sox designated Bard for assignment to clear space on their 40-man roster. Boston will now attempt to pass Bard through waivers, and could get the reliever back if no team places a claim on him.

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Bard has battled control issues throughout the season, posting a 6.41 ERA with 27 walks in 15.1 innings of work in the lower levels of the minor leagues. He also made two relief appearances in the majors this year, allowing one run and walking two.

The right-hander was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2009-2011 (2.88 ERA, 213 strikeouts in 197 innings) and the heir apparent to Jonathan Papelbon at closer. Bard attempted to convert to a starter in 2012, but struggled in his new role, going 5-6 with a 6.22 ERA.

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