The Los Angeles Dodgers made a splash during this past offseason by signing Trevor Bauer to a record-setting three-year contract. While they were lauded by some for adding a talented pitcher to an already-deep starting rotation, others questioned the signing because of his behavior.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he and team president Stan Kasten spoke with Bauer about some of his missteps on social media. Bauer himself assured there would be continued growth and maturation.
Unfortunately, he’s gone on to find himself embroiled in an investigation for alleged sexual assault. Bauer was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball on July 2, and hasn’t pitched since June 28.
According to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times, MLB and the Players Association agreed to extend Bauer’s leave for a fourth time:
Trevor Bauer will stay away from the Dodgers through at least Aug. 13, as Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed Thursday on a fourth extension of his administrative leave.
Although Bauer is technically eligible to return Aug. 13 under the latest agreement, that is unlikely to take place. His court hearings for the temporary restraining order currently is place are set for Aug. 16-19, after originally being scheduled to begin July 23.
Bauer’s attorney requested more time to review information and the hearings were delayed to Aug. 2, 3 and 19, before the latest change.
In addition to being under investigation by the Pasadena Police Department, MLB is also conducting their own process. Even if Bauer does not get arrested or face criminal charges, commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to levy a suspension under the joint domestic violence policy.
Dodgers reportedly don’t want Bauer to return
As more time continues to pass it becomes less likely the 30-year-old will pitch again this season, or at best be in position to make much of an impact as a starter.
Independent of that, it was recently reported most of the Dodgers clubhouse does not want to see Bauer rejoin the team regardless of how the investigations unfold.
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