Bauer allows 4 runs, takes loss in start against Angels

3/20/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TEMPE, Ariz. — Tommy Hanson insisted he was OK and wanted to stay on the mound. The Los Angeles Angels took a different approach with their new starter.

Hanson was pulled because of tightness in his right triceps as he warmed up for the fourth inning in today’s 6-5 win over the Cleveland Indians.

“It’s fine,” Hanson said during the game. “I think they just wanted to take the safe route.”

The right-hander allowed three hits and two runs with four strikeouts in his fourth spring start.

Hanson gave up two runs in the first after two were out. Cord Phelps singled, Nick Swisher walked, and Michael Brantley hit a two-run double. Brantley went 3 for 3 to lift his spring average to .400.

Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer allowed five hits and four runs in three innings of his rockiest appearance of six this spring.

“He showed some good velocity out there and some good changes,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “He’s shown some inconsistencies, but that’s understandable.”

Bauer was acquired over the offseason in a trade with Arizona and is one of several candidates to stick with the big club as a late-rotation starter.

“I had a glimpse of feeling ready to go out there,” Bauer said. “Hopefully, next time I’ll feel ready to go all the time.”

Lonnie Chisenhall hit his fourth spring homer for the Indians.