Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer is set to begin his comeback in earnest in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Bauer had signed with the DeNA BayStars back in the middle of March. He had been building back up into game shape, pitching in the Japanese minor leagues as he worked his way into getting ready. It was just a matter of time before he would be ready to make his NPB debut.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer continues comeback
That time is coming. According to Yahoo Japan, Bauer is set to make his NPB debut on Wednesday as he takes the next step in his comeback.
Bauer has not pitched since he was suspended in 2021 for violating the MLB domestic violence policy, being banished for a year and a half before the Dodgers released him. He had been one of the top pitchers in the majors at the time, posting a 3.07 ERA and a 1.095 WHiP in his 569 innings, striking out 711 batters, between 2018 and 2021. However, his legal troubles and the media circus surrounding him kept major league teams from bringing him on board.
He also performed well as he worked back into shape for the BayStars minor league squad. Bauer allowed five runs, four earned, on 14 hits and two walks over his 16 innings, striking out 17 batters. While they BayStars lead the Central League, they could certainly use Bauer to solidify their place atop the division.
It is possible that Bauer will have a second act in the majors. He is just 32 years old and does have that track record of recent success. If he performs well with the BayStars, he could find another opportunity stateside. Otherwise, Bauer would be a force in Nippon Professional Baseball as he looks to find a home going forward.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer is set to make his NPB debut. That outing promises to be a spectacle when he takes the mound.
Holy shit