Dodgers: Lineup Changed Because Trevor Bauer Wanted to Hit Against Shane Bieber

Things will look slightly different during the 2021 season. While a few of the rule changes made a return from 2020, the universe DH is not part of the plan. So Dodgers pitchers have taken the opportunity to get their swings in during Spring Training in hopes of getting into the ‘swing’ of things.

One guy who has not taken that opportunity is Trevor Bauer. The reigning Cy Young award winner has not been in a hurry to step back into the batters’ box in Spring Training. Bauer has said several times that he does not look forward to swinging the bat in 2021. 

But the Dodgers lineup changed just before their final Cactus League game on Saturday. Dave Roberts explained that it was because Bauer wanted to get into the box against former teammates and Cy Young winner Shane Bieber. 

You won’t step in the box today. Make it a fair fight. You won’t. https://t.co/zjSS0E0QBZ

— Trevor Bauer (?????????) (@BauerOutage) March 27, 2021

The Dodgers pitcher also went on Twitter to have a little back-and-forth with his former teammate. Bauer challenged Bieber to also get into the batter’s box to face off against him in the final Cactus League game. 

Bieber did not take him up on the challenge though, and the Indians lineup had no changes made. The Dodgers play against Cleveland today before heading back to Southern California. They will play 3 against the Angels in the Freeway Series before heading to Colorado. 

The Dodgers also announced that they have made final decisions on their starters for that series. Clayton Kershaw gets the Opening Day nod with Trevor Bauer going the day after. Walker Buehler and Julio Urias will round out the rotation for that series. The team has not yet decided on a fifth starter for the rotation. 

For the moment, the Dodgers have 3 guys in line to take over that final spot. 

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