Little League coaches always tell their kids to keep their eye on the ball. Trevor Bauer provides a new twist on that idea.
Eager to challenge himself in a spring training start, the new Los Angeles Dodgers ace on Saturday kept his right eye closed while pitching out of a first-inning jam.
He even pointed to the eye as he walked off the mound.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY
“I like making myself uncomfortable and throwing different stuff my way and trying to find a solution for it,” the National League Cy Young Award winner said.
“I think that’s how you improve. Find a way to make yourself uncomfortable and get comfortable with it and then do it again,” he said.
After giving up a single to the San Diego Pardres’ leadoff man, Jurickson Profar, and then walking Tommy Pham, Bauer posted a shutout. Eye closed, he retired the next three batters.
Bauer wound up pitching three scoreless innings with the creative approach, striking out three while allowing two hits and a walk.
“I figured if they can’t score off me with one eye open, it’s going to be difficult to score off me with two eyes open,” Bauer said. “Just having a little bit of fun.”
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