Indians pitching prospect Trevor Bauer was scratched from his scheduled Triple-A start in Indianapolis Saturday night due to back spasms, the Indians have announced.
The team says the injury is not considered serious.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that prior to Saturday's game, Bauer halted his pre-game warmup routine, which includes extreme long tossing, and was seen talking with manager Chris Tremie and pitching coach Tony Arnold before walking down the dugout steps with trainer James Quinlan.
Bauer's pre-game warmup routine has been considered unconventional, and possibly harmful to his throwing arm. Prior to his starts, he warms up by throwing far across the outfield, sometimes from one foul poll to another. He also stretches his arm out by vigorously shaking a large rubber plyometric tool that provides resistance.
Unconventional, extreme, or downright strange, the Indians have been very supportive of Bauer and the way he chooses to work out and prepare for games.
Earlier this season, manager Terry Francona said he supports whatever Bauer has to do to feel confident prior to pitching.
“It makes him feel good about his arm, which makes him confident,” Francona said. “I’m glad. You want pitchers to be in a routine because that brings consistency.”
