After posting a 4-6 record, 3.93 ERA and 103 strikeouts across 14 starts through June 6, the Indians' right-hander had returned to form, with a 5-1 record, 2.82 ERA and 76 strikeouts, looking more like the All-Star and Cy Young contender he's been in recent seasons.
So when he got shelled for eight runs, seven earned, in just 4 1/3 innings on Sunday, he was understandably upset with himself. As manager Terry Francona made his way to the mound at Kauffman Stadium to take Bauer out of the game, Bauer turned and let his frustration out, chucking the ball all the way over the center field wall.
Note Cleveland second baseman Mike Freeman and the Royals' runner on second, who both flinched as Bauer wound up, making the moment that much more bizarre.