The Red Sox made Bard a starting pitcher for 2012. He started the season 5–6 with a 5.24 ERA, striking out 34 while walking 37 and hitting eight batters. On June 5, 2012, Bard was optioned to AAA Pawtucket. In his last start prior to his demotion, he lasted 1.2 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up five runs, six walks, and hitting two batters. Bard continued to struggle in AAA, surrendering 15 walks and posting a 7.08 ERA in 20 ⁄3 innings through the end of July. Bard was recalled on August 30 when Zach Stewart was optioned out.
As of 2012, Bard threw four pitches. About half of his pitches thrown were four-seam fastballs in the range of 92–96 mph. He also featured a two-seam fastball at 93–97 miles per hour (150–156 km/h), slider at 79–83 miles per hour (127–134 km/h), and changeup at 86–89 miles per hour (138–143 km/h). He could touch and break 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) with the two-seamer. Bard's changeup was used almost exclusively against left-handed hitters. He used the slider against lefties as well, but much more so against right-handers. Bard's velocity on all of his pitch types dipped several miles per hour in 2012, presumably as a result of his conversion from a relief pitcher to a starter. Bard said he was mildly surprised, but not alarmed by the drop: "I knew there’d be somewhat of a drop-off, velocity-wise, when I went to starting. I didn’t think it would be quite this big ... When I’m 93, 94, they’re just as late as they were on that 97. I think it’s the way I’ve been able to set it up. If I can just establish strike one a little more consistently, the velocity can be whatever it wants to be."