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Los Angeles Dodgers: Trevor Bauer offers services for Home Run Derby

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a line drive single from Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a line drive single from Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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No one can ever accuse Trevor Bauer of not having a sense of humor. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher had a rough outing on Tuesday; while he allowed just one hit and one run, he issued four walks in his 4.1 innings. That one hit was a solo bomb off the bat of Jason Heyward, one that traveled deep to right as it sailed over the fence.

Considering how Heyward launched that ball, Bauer is now offering a new service. He is willing to pitch in the Home Run Derby if any National League players are interested.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer offers to pitch in Home Run Derby

Despite that rough outing, Bauer has pitched well in his first season for the Dodgers. He has a 2.44 ERA and a 0.789 WHiP over his league leading 44.1 innings, striking out 58 batters with just 12 walks. For whatever reason, he just did not have his command on Tuesday.

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However, even with that success, Bauer has had a rough time keeping the ball in the park. He has allowed eight homers already this season, nearly matching his total from last season. His 1.6 HR/9 rate would be his highest over a full major league season in his career. Maybe there is something to his statement that he would be a solid option for the Home Run Derby.

Of course, there is the matter of making contact against Bauer. He has allowed just 23 hits, holding the opposition to a .149/.225/.331 batting line. Opponents have also made contact on just 71.1% of his pitches, including foul balls. However, when they have made contact and hit the ball fair, they have been able to find the seats with regularity.

This is likely to change over the course of the season. Bauer has been just as advertised for the Dodgers, another ace in their stellar rotation. They will need him to continue to be that as they navigate injuries on their pitching staff, making his ability to go deep into games all the more important. The only issue has been his tendency to give up the home run.

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Trevor Bauer knows how to make a joke at his own expense. After his outing on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher offered his services for the Home Run Derby.

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