UPDATE (July 2, 10:50 a.m. PT): Major League Baseball announced Trevor Bauer was placed on administrative leave as they continue an investigation into sexual assault allegations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves embroiled in controversy due to Trevor Bauer being the subject of sexual assault allegations. Bauer has not been charged with a crime, but does have a temporary restraining order in place against him.
“The Dodgers were made aware of the allegations against Trevor Bauer late this afternoon and immediately contacted MLB, which will be handling this matter,” the team said in a statement Tuesday evening.
“The Dodgers take any allegations of this nature very seriously, but will have no further comment at this time.”
Bauer traveled with the Dodgers for their road trip that began Thursday, and he remains on track to start in the series finale against the Washington Nationals. “As of now, we’re kind of in the middle of letting the commissioner’s office and Major League Baseball handle this,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“It’s in their hands. Right now, our kind of direction was to just move forward and not do anything as far as the player in Trevor. So our plan is he’s going to start Sunday. … It’s out of our hands. Regardless of what direction the organization wanted to do, it’s something that this is what has to happen. So it’s out of everyone’s hands.”
When pressed further on the matter, including raising the possibility of the Dodgers taking a stance that Bauer pitching would serve as a distraction, Roberts reiterated MLB has provided the team with direction.
“I’m in the position of following the lead of Major League Baseball,” he said. “Their recommendation was he is our scheduled Sunday starter and to move forward and have him start that game on Sunday.
“For me to try to read into it anymore outside of following what they have advised me and us to do, I just choose to follow their lead.”
MLB could dictate that the Dodgers change course if commissioner Rob Manfred elects to place Bauer on paid administrative leave for up to seven days. That can be extended beyond the one week, so long as done so with approval from the Players Association.
Roberts spoke with Bauer
Roberts revealed he and Bauer did have a discussion since allegations were made public, but the nature of their conversation remained private.
“I can’t,” answered Roberts when asked if he could reveal details. “I don’t choose to.”
Bauer is scheduled for a court hearing on July 23.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673
