Pitching in his first official game in over 22 months, former MLB pitcher Trevor Bauer won in his Japanese league debut on Wednesday.
Bauer made his debut for the Yokohama DeNA Baystarsallowing seven hits and one run in seven innings as the Baystars won 4-1.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer, center, is surrounded by reporters during a post-game news conference in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. After being welcomed by cheerleaders , after receiving the biggest ovation of any Yokohama player at the start. of the game, Bauer delivered what was expected Wednesday in his debut with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. (AP Photo/Stephen Wade)
The Los Angeles Dodgers released the embattled pitcher in January, and he signed with Yokohama in March.
TREVOR BAUER’S TEAMMATE DOESN’T LIKE THAT THE YOKOHAMA BAYSTARS SUPPORT THE PITCHER’S SWORD CELEBRATION
«I felt really good,» Bauer said. «I just felt normal. The body felt good: command, speed, results. All good. It was a great day.»
Bauer gave credit to the fans, saying that the atmosphere in Japan is unlike anything in the United States.
«The atmosphere in the US doesn’t compare at all to what it is here,» Bauer said. «The only time it comes close is sometimes in playoff baseball. I played in a world series in 2016, and Cleveland Stadium was very loud. But the sustained energy here is very different.»
Members of the audience, including fans wearing T-shirts bearing the name of Yokohama DeNA BayStars starting pitcher Trevor Bauer during their game against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephen Wade)
The 2020 National League Cy Young winner made three appearances with Yokohama Farm Clubs before his debut.
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«I just want to win,» Bauer said. «I want to contribute to that. I want to pitch well. I want to entertain the fans.»
Bauer last pitched on June 28, 2021, when he was placed on paid administrative leave due to sexual assault allegations.
Bauer was accused of sexual assault by a San Diego woman he met through social media, an allegation Bauer denied and said the encounters were consensual.
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced in February of last year that Bauer would not be criminally charged.
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was suspended for Major League Baseball for a record 324 games and missed the entire 2022 season.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer throws a pitch against the Hiroshima Carp during a baseball game in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Wednesday, May 3, 2023. After being welcomed by cheerleaders, after receiving the With the biggest ovation of any Yokohama player at the start of the game, Bauer delivered what was expected Wednesday in his debut with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. (Kyodo News via AP)
Bauer was reinstated in late December by a neutral umpire, making him eligible to play on opening day of the 2023 season.
After being released by the Dodgers, Bauer could have signed for the veteran’s minimum with any MLB team, but no team picked him up.
Associated Press contributed to this report