For the first time in nearly three years, Trevor Bauer pitched against professional hitters in the United States, and they were members of his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Sunday afternoon.
Bauer was pitching for Asian Breeze, a Japan-based independent team that plays exhibition games against minor league players in hopes of catching the attention of scouts, in his first game in the United States since he was suspended for a record 194 days for violating MLB's domestic violence law. and sexual assault policy.
Bauer initially received a 324-game suspension in April 2022, which came 10 months after he was placed on administrative leave due to sexual assault allegations. His suspension was later reduced, but the Dodgers released him.
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Trevor Bauer (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/File)
With many fans present to watch Bauer pitch, including some wearing T-shirts that read “Bring Back Bauer,” the 33-year-old right-hander dominated his minor league opponents.
Bauer's fastball reportedly topped out at 99 mph several times and he later recorded four strikeouts against 12 batters. Three of the batters Bauer faced were on the Dodgers' 40-man roster: outfielder Andy Pages and catchers Diego Cartaya and Hunter Feduccia.
Just this time three years ago, Bauer was ready to play against some of the best in the game after signing a three-year, $102 million contract to join the Dodgers.
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But now he's playing in hopes of returning to the league, although reports say no Dodgers or MLB scouts were in the stands to see him pitch.
“I mean, if you think about it, he should have a chance to sign with a major league team,” Bauer told a group of media members, according to ESPN. “I'm only asking for the league minimum, so it's not a question of money. I've served my suspension twice. I've been cleared of everything in the legal system. If you think about it logically, there's really no reason. I shouldn't have a job.
“But I don't know. So it is what it is. We'll see how it plays out. I don't want to predict the future. We'll see.”
After his release from the Dodgers, Bauer went to Japan to pitch for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. He owned an impressive 2.59 ERA in 156.2 innings in 24 games at two different levels for the Baystars. Bauer struck out 160 batters and walked only 34.
Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out a pitch against the Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on May 21, 2021. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I just stay ready and maybe people will somehow remember that I'm still one of the best pitchers in the world,” Bauer said, according to USA Today.
Bauer was originally supposed to pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks complex with the Asian Breeze on Saturday, but his start was changed.
ESPN has learned that a source close to Bauer said his playing on Dodger fields was authorized by the team.
“Honestly, I don't care who I pitch against,” Bauer said when asked how it felt to face a Dodgers team. “I just like pitching. Hopefully they enjoyed it and had a good time. I tried to enjoy it and have a good time, I tried to entertain the fans, which is what I always try to do. The Dodgers or any other team, I really don't It doesn't matter, I just enjoy throwing.
Bauer said he is now a better pitcher since playing in Japan. He returned to the United States with a splitter in his pitching arsenal, as well as in his heater, which gained velocity overseas.
“Hopefully today I'll remind you that I'm still an elite pitcher. If not, that's okay too,” he said.
Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2021. (Harry How/Getty Images)
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The last time Bauer was on an MLB mound was in the 2021 season for the Dodgers, where he pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts (107.2 innings) with 137 strikeouts.
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