Bauer agrees to play in Japan this season
Trevor Bauer, effectively exiled from Major League Baseball after his suspension for violating the league’s sexual assault policy expired, agreed to play in Japan.
The Yokohama BayStars reached an agreement on a contract with Bauer, the team announced Monday. The contract is worth $ 3 million, according to a person familiar with the deal but not authorized to discuss it. It does not guarantee Bauer the option to leave should a major league team offer him a job this season.
Yokohama was one of multiple Japanese teams to discuss a possible contract with Bauer, who will wear No. 96.
“I am very excited to be able to play for the BayStars this season,” Bauer said in a statement released by the team. “It is my dream to play in the Japanese professional baseball world, and I will be able to show that dream in front of the fans.”
The Dodgers released Bauer rather than reinstate him to their roster. They remain liable for his $ 22.5- million salary this season. Had Bauer signed with another major league team, that team would have paid Bauer the MLB minimum of $ 720,000 and the Dodgers would have paid the balance. — Bill Shaikin
Team USA cruises past Canada
Mike Trout hit a threerun homer and Lance Lynn gave up one run and struck out six as Team USA beat Canada 12- 1 in a game that was called after seven innings because of the World Baseball Classic mercy rule.
Trea Turner added a solo homer for the United States, which rebounded from its 11- 5 loss to Mexico on Sunday.
Etc.
José De León and three relievers combined to pitch a perfect game as Puerto Rico routed Israel 10- 0 in a World Baseball Classic game called after eight innings because of the tournament’s 10- run mercy rule. ... Jacob deGrom made his f irst start of the spring for the Texas Rangers, though it was on a back field against minor leaguers, striking out f ive of the eight batters he faced for triple- A Round Rock. ... Toronto Blue Jays All- Star pitcher
Alek Manoah was among 15 players whose contracts were renewed by their teams rather than reach negotiated agreements. ... Duque Hebbert, a 21- year- old pitcher for Nicaragua, was offered a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers after entering a WBC game against the Dominican Republic in the ninth inning and striking out San Diego Padres right f ielder Juan Soto, Seattle Mariners center f ielder Julio Rodríguez and Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers. ... South Korea set a WBC scoring record with a 22- 2 rout over China in a game between already eliminated teams.