Reds contemplating starting Bauer on 3 days' rest for whole season

Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson said Tuesday that the team is considering using Trevor Bauer as a starter every fourth day, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The right-hander has advocated to pitch on short rest in the past, saying he wants to market himself in free agency as a starter who will pitch every four days.

"I've applied some friendly pressure to him, I guess is how you'd say it," Bauer said. "But basically letting him know that I want to pitch as much as possible as often as possible. You don't have to worry about wearing down over the course of a long season. We've got a two-month sprint and a month of playoffs."

The former All-Star added: "As long as I'm doing well and helping us win. I want to be out there as much as possible."

Bauer focused on training for a short season during the pandemic-induced work stoppage.

"I'm in a better position for the sprint," the 29-year-old said. "As far as the actual if I pitch more often or whatever the case is, I'm built to throw a lot of pitches, I'm built to throw very often, more so built for four days than I am five days, as that's kind of the optimal recovery cycle that I've found that my body works best with.

"I'm in a good spot, ready for whatever is thrown at me."

Bauer has only pitched twice in his career on three days' rest. Opponents have a .928 OPS against him in those two contests.