Trevor Bauer only made 17 starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers before he faced multiple allegations of sexual assault that caused MLB to place him on administrative leave last July.
Although the L.A. Country District Attorney’s Office decided not to file criminal charges against Bauer after the Pasadena Police Department submitted their report, he faced potential punishment under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred decided to suspend Bauer for 324 games, which is the longest punishment under the sport’s domestic violence policy since it was instituted in August 2015. The polarizing pitcher promptly declared he is appealing the ruling, though Bauer isn’t eligible to play while going through the process.
Bauer is unlikely to receive a resolution to his appeal soon, as it will not be a quick process and could even stretch late into summer or even longer, according to Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic:
Multiple sources told The Athletic the appeal process could stretch into later this summer, and possibly beyond.
Bauer missed 81 games last season while on administrative leave, then 12 more in the playoffs and the initial 18 games of 2022 before the suspension was announced. However, those missed games were not counted as time served on his suspension.
MLB began their investigation last season when a San Diego woman brought forth sexual assault allegations and the league also reportedly interviewed two other women who made accusations against Bauer.
Because Bauer did not agree to the suspension, he was permitted to file a grievance to be determined by an arbitrator jointly selected by MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA). That also was a factor in determining the length of Bauer’s suspension.
After declining to comment until MLB completed its investigation of Bauer, the Dodgers issued a statement that supported the league’s stance.
“The Dodgers organization takes all allegations of this nature very seriously and does not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence or sexual assault,” they said. “We’ve cooperated fully with MLB’s investigation since it began, and we fully support MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, and the Commissioner’s enforcement of the Policy.
“We understand that Trevor has the right to appeal the Commissioner’s decision. Therefore, we will not comment further until the process is complete.”
Bauer’s hearing scheduled to begin
A date has already been set for Bauer’s first appeal hearing, which is scheduled to begin Monday, May 23.
Bauer’s case will be heard by a panel of three arbitrators. One is selected by MLB, a second is chosen by the Players Association (MLBPA), and third is approved by both parties.
The panel can dismiss the case, reduce the suspension, or uphold the entire punishment.
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