After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023, Trevor Bauer will return to Camelback Ranch for the first time on Sunday.
He does so as a member of the Asian Breeze, a travel team from Japan that plays scrimmage games against Minor League players from MLB organizations. Bauer’s first appearance with the Breeze is taking place on one of the backfields at Camelback Ranch and is unlikely to feature any players from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
The Breeze is a self-described “tryout program” that charges players a fee to pitch in front of MLB scouts. Bauer is attempting to make a comeback after last pitching in the Majors on June 28, 2021.
The Dodgers are said to be surprised that Bauer is scheduled to pitch against some of the organization’s Minor League players, via Jack Harris and Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
That the team’s Sunday visit will include an appearance from Bauer, however, came as a surprise to officials within the Dodgers organization, which has distanced itself from the pitcher since releasing him in January 2023.
The Dodgers declined to comment on Bauer’s upcoming appearance at Camelback Ranch, but they won’t try to prevent it from happening in order to avoid unwanted attention.
The Dodgers originally signed Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract in February 2021 that at the time made him the highest player in MLB history.
However, the right-hander’s time in L.A. lasted less than half a season as he was accused of sexual assault and placed on administrative leave by MLB amid an investigation into the claims.
The Dodgers ultimately released Bauer despite an arbitrator reducing a 324-game suspension to 194 games and immediately reinstating him from the restricted list.
Trevor Bauer appreciated Mookie Betts’ public support
While working as a Fox Sports correspondent during the 2023 postseason, Mookie Betts became the first Dodgers player to publicly discuss Bauer, speaking fondly of his former teammate.
Bauer expressed his appreciation for Betts and added that he has received similar comments in private.
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