Scott Bailes, a left-handed pitcher, made his entry into Major League Baseball when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh round of the 1982 amateur draft. However, it was with the Cleveland Indians that he would begin his professional career in the majors. Bailes debuted with the Indians in 1986, quickly establishing himself as a reliable arm in their pitching rotation.
During his rookie season, Bailes appeared in 32 games, starting 27 of them. He posted a commendable 10-10 record with a 3.83 ERA, demonstrating his ability to handle the pressures of major league competition. His performance earned him a spot on the Baseball Digest All-Rookie Team, highlighting his promising start in the league.
Bailes continued to pitch for the Indians through the 1989 season. Over these years, he was utilized both as a starter and a reliever, showcasing his adaptability on the mound. In 1987, he achieved a career-high 12 wins, finishing the season with a 12-10 record and a 4.64 ERA. His time with the Indians was marked by steady contributions, as he provided depth and flexibility to the pitching staff.
In 1990, Bailes was traded to the California Angels, where he continued to serve as a valuable pitcher. His role with the Angels was primarily as a reliever, and he adapted well to the change. Over the next two seasons, Bailes appeared in 98 games for the Angels, maintaining an ERA around the mid-4.00s. His ability to transition between starting and relieving roles was a testament to his skill set and understanding of the game.
After his stint with the Angels, Bailes took a brief hiatus from Major League Baseball. He returned to the majors in 1992 with the Texas Rangers, where he pitched for one season. During his time with the Rangers, Bailes appeared in 39 games, all in relief, and recorded a 3.18 ERA, one of the best of his career. His performance with the Rangers demonstrated his continued effectiveness as a reliever.
Following his time with the Rangers, Bailes stepped away from the major leagues once more. He spent several years out of the MLB spotlight before making a comeback with the Kansas City Royals in 1997. In his final season in the majors, Bailes pitched in 34 games, posting a 5.24 ERA. His return to the league after several years away was a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
Throughout his career, Scott Bailes was known for his ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff. Whether as a starter or a reliever, he provided consistent performances and was a dependable presence on the mound.
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