The Los Angeles Dodgers signed All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer after the 2020 season looking to repeat as World Series champions by adding another ace to their star-studded rotation.
But now in the 2022, Bauer has not pitched for the club since last June while MLB investigates him for alleged sexual assault. Bauer was placed on administrative leave last July, and it periodically was extended through the 2021 World Series.
He was put back on the restricted list prior to Spring Training beginning and most recently that stay was pushed to April 22.
While Bauer remains on leave, there was also a report saying he may try to challenge MLB and show up at Dodger Stadium for their series finale against the Cincinnati Reds, but manager Dave Roberts said he did not see the right-hander show up prior to the game.
“I have no idea. I really don’t know,” Roberts said. “I feel like we’ve all heard, but I have not seen him.”
While the potential of Bauer re-joining the team could end up being a distraction, Roberts said his club is just focused on winning the game ahead of them and trusts they can block out the noise, saying there’s always going to be stuff that comes around.
“I think that we’re just focused on just winning a baseball game,” the skipper said.
Bauer was previously cleared by the Pasadena Police Department of potentially facing criminal charges, but under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, commissioner Rob Manfred can still levy a suspension.
Dodgers not worried about when MLB will make Bauer decision
The Dodgers are still waiting on clarity on what, if any, suspension or punishment the league will issue to the 31-year-old pitcher, but right now the situation is out of their control until Manfred makes a decision.
“Honestly, I have no idea. And it’s so out of my control or any of our control,” Roberts said when asked if a ruling from MLB would be helpful to the team. “So I think that we’re just kind of focused on what we can control. So that’s kind of where my mind’s at right now.”
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