Pitcher Trevor Bauer keeps Yankees scoreless for three innings during yesterday's game

Bauer had this to say on his return to pitching against an MLB team after recent controversies: «My command was a little bit off. I would have liked not to walk two people,» Said Bauer. «It was my first time pitching at this altitude, so the ball is moving a little bit differently. But it was a good day. The fans were incredible.»

«It was definitively part of the decision (to come to Mexico). I thought it'd be fun to pitch against the Yankees and make some content to entertain the fans,» said Bauer. «I want to play baseball. I have fun doing it and there's a lot of things
about this organization that are very good.»

Trevor Andrew Bauer, born on January 17, 1991, has established himself as a formidable force in the world of baseball. Currently showcasing his talents with the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League, Bauer's journey through Major League Baseball has been nothing short of impressive. With stints at the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Bauer has proven his versatility and skill on the mound. Additionally, he ventured into Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, further expanding his experience and expertise in the sport.

Bauer's journey to signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2021 was marked by significant attention and controversy. As a free agent, Bauer attracted offers from multiple MLB teams, including the New York Mets. However, he ultimately declined the Mets' proposal in favor of joining the Dodgers, signing a lucrative three-year, $102 million contract with opt-out options after the 2021 and 2022 MLB seasons.

The decision to sign Bauer was not without its share of scrutiny and concerns. The Mets had reservations about Bauer's social media activity, particularly incidents where women accused him of online harassment. Despite these controversies, the Dodgers were willing to overlook Bauer's off-field issues due to his exceptional pitching abilities.

Mookie Betts, a key player for the Dodgers, acknowledged Bauer's controversial reputation but emphasized that the team was focused on his talent on the mound. Betts stated, "He is who he is. You know what you're getting and so I don't really worry about it. It doesn't bother me." This sentiment reflects the Dodgers' willingness to prioritize Bauer's pitching prowess over potential distractions.

Bauer's signing with the Dodgers brought both excitement and controversy to the team. His arrival added depth and strength to the Dodgers' pitching rotation, but it also raised questions about the team's tolerance for off-field issues in pursuit of on-field success. As Bauer took the mound in Dodger blue, the spotlight remained on him, both for his performances on the field and his conduct off of it.

After parting ways with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bauer embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball. This move allowed Bauer to showcase his skills on an international stage while the Dodgers continued to pay a portion of his salary. Bauer's debut game for Yokohama was a success, contributing to a 4-1 win over the Hiroshima Toyo Carp after almost two years since his last appearance for the Dodgers. His impressive performance in the NPB earned him recognition, including nominations for the NPB All-Star Game and the June MVP award. In 19 games with Yokohama, Bauer demonstrated his pitching prowess with a 10-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 130 strikeouts across 130.2 innings pitched. Despite his success, Bauer elected for free agency at the end of the season, keeping baseball enthusiasts curious about his next career move.

Bauer's decision to pitch six games for the Diablos Rojos del México signals a new chapter in his career, showcasing his adaptability and passion for the game. Fans await eagerly to witness his performance and its impact on his future endeavours.