Luke Bard, who was drafted with the pick that the Twins got for compensation after Jason Kubel left in free agency, has been injured for most of his career, throwing just 35.2 innings in his four years in the organization, but has performed well so far this year, with a 1.10 ERA and 4 wins in 16.1 innings. Bard has an above average fastball, plus a good slider, and will likely stay in the bullpen throughout his career. Since Bard was drafted in 2012, he will be available for the Rule 5 Draft unless the Twins add him to the roster this offseason, but that is unlikely, seeing that many other top prospects will have to be added, such as Travis Harrison, JT Chargios, Adam Brett Walker, and many more, leaving little room for Bard. This season is very important for Bard due to his limited time, but if he can continue his success that he has had since returning from the disabled list, he could end back up on prospect lists.

Bard's 2015 statistics:

CDR:

35.1 IP, 2.29 ERA, 6.6 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 (26/10), and a 1.104 WHIP

 

All of this is in relief, of course. I can't imagine the Twins really trying to get the starting thing going with him, as they hoped might work out when they drafted him. 2016 in Fort Myers is going to be huge for him.

Bard finished the regular season with a line of:

 

52.1 IP, 2.41 ERA, 8.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 (47/15), and a 1.15 WHIP

 

It was great to see him healthy in 2015, and I believe that he has a good shot at reaching the big leagues if he can continue his success next year.