Trevor Bauer has been living up to expectations so far

It’s only been four starts, but Trevor Bauer is looking like the 2020 season wasn’t a fluke after all. In 26 innings so far on the young season, Bauer is 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA and a 0.62 WHIP. He’s holding opponents to a .114 average and is averaging 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

For most pitchers, they’d take that four-game stretch any day of the week. For Bauer, he simply thinks he’s been ‘okay’.

“I think I’ve been okay, I don’t think I’ve been particular good,” Bauer said to the media following the game. “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.”

Well, if this is considered good, I’m really looking forward to what his great outings look like.

After three starts against some pretty decent competition to begin the year, Bauer got his first crack at this newly renovated Padres team, as he didn’t face them last year while with the Reds.

Bauer was solid, allowing only one run in six innings. The lone run came off a solo homer from Jake Cronenworth. He also allowed two hits to Manny Machado. Those were the only three hits he allowed on the afternoon. He struck out seven, his lowest number of the season. In addition, he issued only one walk.

“It was okay, I thought I competed well,” Bauer said on his outing. “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.”

Bauer saw an uptick on velocity on all four of his pitches, but most notably his 4-seamer. On the year, that pitch averages 93.3 mph but on Sunday it averaged 94.6. When asked about it following the game, Bauer said his velocity usually increases as he progresses into the season. He was asked if the increase on Sunday had to do with him being amped for the rivalry, but he said that wasn’t the case.

Though he’s still new to the team, Bauer said he’s very comfortable with everyone in the organization, something that has really helped him continue to progress.

“My comfort level is high,” he said. “It’s been a very quick process. I’m very appreciative of everyone in the organization welcoming me and helping me with the progress.”