BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox optioned right-handed pitcher Daniel Bard to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Manager Bobby Valentine said Tuesday that the club felt Bard (5-6) needs to work on his mechanics back in the minors before he gets another shot at making the Red Sox rotation.

Bard lasted less than two innings at Toronto on Sunday, allowing five runs on six walks and hit two batters.

In 55 innings this season, Bard has an ERA of 5.24 with 34 strikeouts and 37 walks.

Bard was a reliever before the Red Sox made him their fifth starter this season.

Valentine said he expects Bard to make a quick turnaround.

Valentine said Daisuke Matsusaki was scheduled to pitch three innings for Pawtucket on Tuesday, but he lasted just 1 1/3 innings because he reached his 40-pitch limit. He allowed one run, three hits and walked two with one strikeout.

The Red Sox also removed outfielder Darnell McDonald from the 15-day disabled list.