Red Sox righthander Daniel Bard and Devil Rays righthander Wade Townsend both went on the disabled list this week, and neither is expected to return for at least 7-to-10 days.

Bard, the 28th overall pick in 2006 who signed for $1.55 million, was shut down with a triceps strain. The injury is considered minor, though it’s just the latest chapter to Bard’s rough start to his professional career: In 13 innings, the 21-year-old righthander is 0-2, 10.13 with a 9-22 strikeout-walk ratio at high Class A Lancaster.

“It’s not anything serious–it’s a slight strain,” Red Sox farm director Mike Hazen said. “We’re just shutting him down for 7-to-10 days and it won’t be long before we get him back on the mound.”

Townsend’s injury is arguably more frustrating. A first-rounder in 2005 who signed for $1.5 million, Townsend strained his neck in his first pro start at short-season Hudson Valley, then went winless in 12 outings. The Rays sent the 24-year-old to the Arizona Fall League that season to get more innings, but he blew out his elbow and missed all of 2006 due to Tommy John surgery.

Townsend returned with a vengeance this season, putting up 3-1, 2.33 numbers with 34 strikeouts in 27 innings at low Class A Columbus. But now he’s shut down with right forearm fatigue and expected to miss at least the same time as Bard.

“It’s just a precautionary measure,” Rays farm director Mitch Lukevics said. “With everything he’s been through it’s been great for him to have success. We need to be cautious.”