They could put Aaron Cook in the rotation, but can they yank Bard now?
Daniel Bard has allowed only three earned runs in 14 innings over his last two starts - the second and third of his career.Daniel Bard is not giving up his rotation spot without a fight.
The Red Sox have a decision to make, and it has often been said that the best decisions involve finding spots for too much talent, as opposed to not enough.
That is the choice facing them with Bard, whose transition has been Boston's pet project for months.
Just as reasons exist to pull the plug, the right-hander is pitching so well that changing course now not only seems unfair, but might be a mistake.
In Boston's 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox Friday night, Bard had his team a stellar outing and something to think about. Bard's first start since April 16 and the third of his career
He allowed two earned runs in seven innings, with six strikeouts and only one walk. It left manager Bobby Valentine singing Bard's praises as a man who continues improve at his new job.
"There was a lot to like that I saw,'' said Valentine, who counted off Bard's steps of progress with his windup, his his pitch variety and his stamina.
In his last two starts, Bard has allowed three earned runs in 13 2/3 innings. Much was made of his seven walks in a 1-0 loss to Tampa, but three came in the seventh inning, causing widespread criticism that it was Valentine's mistake for leaving him in too long.
The victory Friday was Boston's fifth straight. Maybe an escape from Fenway Park, where the intensity of the baseball spotlight was unflattering, has helped refocus the team.
Maybe the tonic was a dose of the AL Central, where Minnesota and the White Sox have been outscored 44-19 by the suddenly hot Sox.
Even the embattled Boston bullpen has hit its stride, allowing one run in 13 2/3 innings.
The most fascinating subplot, though, continues to be Bard. With Aaron Cook waiting in the wings, and a presumed desperate need for Bard in the bullpen, the road trip began with the look of a gangplank walk for Bard's days as a starter.
Not so fast. Valentine was impressed not only with Bard's skills, but his mental toughness in shrugging off adversity caused by his own team's defense.
Left unspoken was the added pressure of Bard knowing he is being watched. A two-batter relief role Monday helped save a win at Minnesota, but ratched up the debate over where Boston is best served by using him.
Cook will make his fifth Triple A start for Pawtucket on Saturday at Columbus. He was 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings.
Opponents have hit .219 against Cook, who has gone at least seven innings three times. Cook's contract carries a May 1 opt-out clause, which means the Red Sox must call him up by Tuesday, or he can go free.
Cook could extend his Triple A time, giving the Red Sox more time to sort out their pitching. His comments have been noncommittal beyond making it clear his goal is the majors and he feels he's on track.
The Red Sox could call him up and put him in the bullpen. That seems impractical, since Cook is an established starter and also has a history of injuries, which makes it risky to alter his routine so abruptly.
If they let him walk away, it is almost certain another team will take him. It could be the Yankees, who have lost Michael Pineda to injury, can't be comfortable with Phil Hughes or Freddy Garcia, and can't be sure if Andy Pettitte is the answer.
Cook is ready and has a major league history of success. Bard, young, red-hot and carries irresistable promise.
A deadline looms. What to do?
By Tuesday, the Red Sox will have to have an answer.