Bard (hip) signed a minor-league contract with the Rays on Thursday.
The deal includes an invitation to big-league spring training, though Bard likely faces an uphill battle to win a spot in the Rays' Opening Day bullpen. Bard didn't pitch at any level in 2021 after he suffered a hip injury while working out with the Angels last spring before ultimately opting for season-ending surgery in April. The 31-year-old is believed to be fully healthy now, but his late arrival to camp and his modest MLB track record (5.05 ERA in 46 career appearances) means that he's likely bound for Triple-A Durham to begin the season.