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Trevor Bauer’s signature strikeout celebration is creating controversy with a teammate and their Japanese team, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
When Bauer struck out batters in MLB on a check swing, he mimicked a motion of putting a sword in a sheath. And he's done the same in games overseas so far.
Ahead of his first NPB start scheduled for Wednesday, the BayStars posted a short video on their official Twitter page of Bauer encouraging fans to do the same when he strikes hitters out during his starts.
Yokohama’s closer Yasuaki Yamasaki isn’t a fan.
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The Yokohama BayStars' Trevor Bauer is surrounded by reporters in Yokosuka, Japan, April 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephen Wade)
He responded to the tweet from the official BayStars Twitter page.
"(The club) Official (Twitter) shouldn't encourage (the fans to do sword celebration action). Foolishness.
No respect. There's a different way," the tweet, translated to English, said.
While many believed Yamasaki was directing the tweet at Bauer, he clarified on Twitter Tuesday it was directed at the team.
"My message was received by the media in the US in a way that I did not intend, and it was taken as if I was saying something bad about him. After talking with Bauer, I was able to convey my feelings clearly. Bauer is an important teammate with whom I aim to win the championship," his tweet, translated to English, said.
The BayStars also released a statement on the matter.
"Before yesterday's game, the club had a discussion with Yasuaki Yamasaki about the staging presentation by the club regarding Trevor Bauer's Sword Celebration performance. The club explained to Yasuaki Yamasaki that the direction and communication were purely intended to share joy with the fans.
TREVOR BAUER MAKES SECOND MINOR LEAGUE START IN JAPAN AS HE RAMPS UP FOR PROFESSIONAL RETURN
"The club also discussed with Trevor Bauer, after his arrival in Japan and before his appearance in a minor league game, to see if there were any problems with his Sword Celebration performance - as Trevor Bauer did not want to do anything inappropriate to Japanese culture. The club supported the idea and considered it as an action that would please the fans.
"We are very sorry that some foreign media cut out some of Yasuaki Yamasaki's words on Twitter and misled the public.
Bauer signed a one-year deal with Yokohama after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers after serving a suspension for sexual assault allegations.
Despite Bauer being shunned by Major League Baseball, fans were spotted with his BayStars jersey in his first minor league start.
He’s made two starts since as he ramped up in what’s considered his spring training before getting into a pro game. He owns a 2.25 ERA over 16 innings with 14 hits four earned runs allowed.
Bauer also has not allowed a home run.
Fans wearing shirts with the name and number of Trevor Bauer watch him pitch at a stadium in Yokosuka, Japan, April 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephen Wade)
"It’s just about building pitch count right now, making sure that I can pitch a whole game if need be," Bauer said after his first start.
Bauer has remained steadfast that all actions with his accuser were consensual, and he is innocent.
The Dodgers released a statement regarding Bauer after his release.
"Two extensive reviews of all the available evidence in this case — one by [MLB] Commissioner [Rob] Manfred and another by a neutral arbitrator — concluded that Mr. Bauer’s actions warranted the longest-ever active player suspension in our sport for violations of this policy. Now that this process has been completed, and after careful consideration, we have decided that he will no longer be part of our organization," the team said in a statement in February.
Trevor Bauer listens to a reporter's question after a warmup game in Hiratsuka, southwest of Tokyo, Japan April 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Stephen Wade)
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Bauer Was suspended for 324 games, the equivalent of two full seasons, and the punishment was later reduced to 194.
BayStars manager Daisuke Miura announced Bauer will start the club’s Central League game against the Hiroshima Carp Wednesday.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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