Trevor Bauer 'nearing 100%' and set to return to Ducks next week

Trevor Bauer is close to returning from back spasms and will rejoin the Ducks during their homestand next week, team president Michael Pfaff said Friday.

Pfaff wrote in a social media post that the 35-year-old righthander is “nearing 100%.”

The Ducks will open a six-day homestand on Tuesday at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. Pfaff said the team will announce Bauer’s next start soon.

Bauer was placed on the injured list on May 18 with back spasms. He had been pitching very effectively with a 4-1 record and a 1.41 ERA before a rough outing against Gastonia on May 17. The former National League Cy Young Award winner yielded five runs, eight hits and two walks in five innings-plus, striking out seven.

Bauer, who took a no-decision in the Ducks’ 6-5 loss, did not complain about any back issues after the game.

Bauer flew to Arizona for treatment on his back and was involved in a car accident in the Scottsdale area on May 20. He was not injured in the accident.

 — Newsday staff