Cleveland Indians Pitcher Trevor Bauer Continues to Impress

When the Cleveland Indians acquired Trevor Bauer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft, in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, his potential to be great was never questioned. The young righty simply wasn’t pitching well at the time.

Now, he has become a consistent arm in the Tribe’s starting rotation.

Bauer was on the fast track to the majors with Arizona and was called up to the big leagues in June of 2012, about a year after he was drafted. The results weren’t pretty, as Bauer struggled with his command in his four-start cameo, walking 13 batters in 16 innings and pitching to a 6.06 ERA.

He was sent down after that and was traded to the Indians after the season. Cleveland bought low on a high-potential arm, and while the verdict was not looking good early, Bauer seems to be hitting his stride in 2016.

Despite an excellent spring training, Bauer was sent to the bullpen to begin the 2016 season. But an injury to Carlos Carrasco opened the door for Bauer, who seems intent on staying in the rotation.

He made his first start April 30 and lasted just four innings while giving up three runs, earning a no-decision in a 4-3 loss to Philadelphia. From that point on, Bauer has been terrific.

In 10 total starts this season, Bauer has pitched at least six innings six times. But more impressively, the California native has pitched at least seven innings without giving up more than three runs in each of his last four starts dating back to June 1.

In his four-game stretch, Bauer is 3-1 and has lowered his season ERA from 4.27 to 3.46. He has struck out 28 batters and walked eight in 29.2 innings. But six of those walks came in two starts. Bauer is showing he is past the command issues that plagued him earlier in his career.

Bauer’s newfound control and consistency have been noticed by the Cleveland hierarchy, especially by manager Terry Francona, according to CBS Cleveland.

“Consistency, in our game, it’s such a big word, and he’s backed up his starts now, which gets exciting,” Francona said. “I think, generally, it starts with fastball command. He may disagree with me. Personally, that’s what I think. But I also think his breaking ball has been outstanding, and his changeup. Both of those pitches have been really good.”

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If Bauer can continue to pitch well, the Indians will walk away as big winners from the 2011 trade. More importantly, Bauer is helping them win ball games in 2016 as the Cleveland Indians look to stay in first place and eventually clinch a playoff spot.