April 19th, 2021 at 9:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka If you are still not a fan of Dodgers right-hander Trevor Bauer, the problem may be with you, not him.
All the 30-year-old North Hollywood, CA native and defending National League Cy Young Award winner has done through his first four starts as a Dodger is post a 2-0 record and 2.42 ERA in his National League-leading 26.0 innings pitched. In fact, his 1,000 Win-Loss percentage is tops in all of baseball right now.
On Sunday, Bauer, who was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round (third overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft out of UCLA, allowed only one run on three hits to the NL West second-place San Diego Padres at Petco Park. He left the game after the sixth inning with the Dodgers leading 2-1. Unfortunately, 22-year-old Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol was unable to hold the lead after a huge error by normally flawless Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, allowing the tying run to score in the seventh inning for the blown save. The Padres would add three additional runs off of Messers Scott Alexander and Dennis Santana to give San Diego the 5-2 win, thus denying Bauer of what should have been his third win of the season.
“I think I’ve been okay; I don’t think I’ve been particularly good,” the oft-outspoken Bauer told reporters during his postgame interview. “There are some pitches I’ve missed with. I haven’t had a game where I have all my repertoire working. There’s still some things I can tighten up. I’d rate it good, but not great.”
As far as his outing on Sunday afternoon, the former Santa Clarita resident and lifelong Dodger fan fell on his sword, albeit unnecessary.
“It was okay, I thought I competed well,” Bauer said. “I wasn’t particularly sharp. I thought my velocity was good. Probably the best it’s been for a whole game, so that was encouraging.
“My comfort level is high,” he added. “It’s been a very quick process. I’m very appreciative of everyone in the organization welcoming me and helping me with the progress.”
(Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA)
For some, the rub with Bauer is the fact that he is very active on social media. Truth be told, this makes him seem more approachable than most major leaguers, although he has been known to be a little abrasive at times.
But the bottom line for Dodger fans is that if the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner can help the Dodgers return to the World Series in 2021, a little rub never hurt anyone, right?
Play Ball!
* * * * * *
Posted in 
Bauer’s been great, as expected, including yesterday, but the Padre pitching stood up to him, this time. Got to get them next time.
Joe, it was Seager’s error that cost the Dodgers the game, not the Padres pitching.
Ron,
does it appear that CS5 is off his game? playing timid D?
he hasn’t laid out for a ground ball even when it might save the game or at least the lead. he’s been slow on exchanges and throws. he doesn’t get errors when scored FC but i think we all have seen several plays that should have been GIDP including another one yesterday where he dropped the ball at the bag but picked it up in time get the FC. he also lackadaisically dropped a throw on a SB at 2nd the other day which resulted in a run.
think he’s trying to stay “uninjured” to ensure that payday?
I don’t think since he has been the big leagues Corey has gotten his uniform dirty and I watch every game.Even if it means stopping a ball that may lose the game
Love Bauer He is Outstanding. What a competitor wants to win. Quite a teammate as well. So Glad he is a Dodger.
Not gonna lie, I was among the skeptics when the deal first went down but (very) quickly got over that.
He is definitely not old-school and brings an entirely new attitude to the team, and his pitching is off the charts.
I sincerely believe that he could win a second consecutive Cy Young award.
Terrific point Steve – talented, competitive, and a good teammate. Bottom line what else should we fans expect.