The Los Angeles Dodgers spent most of last season without Trevor Bauer as he remained the subject of investigations into alleged sexual assault, and now face the possibility of never having the right-hander back with the team.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred suspended Bauer for 364 games, effective immediately and without pay. Bauer was not credited for games missed last season or this year, and pending ruling from an arbitration panel during the appeal process, could remain suspended past the duration of his contract with the Dodgers.
“For us, we’ve kind of been of the mind of focusing on the guys here and the teams that we’re playing, so it really doesn’t change our mindset at all as far as guys in the clubhouse,” manager Dave Roberts said hours after MLB announced the Bauer suspension.
Roberts declined to answer when asked if he was surprised by the length of the suspension, and instead deferred to the Dodgers’ statement that expressed support of MLB’s ruling.
“Until everything is finalized, which I don’t think it is, right now I Just don’t want to comment,” Roberts added. “I don’t think it’s smart for me to make any comment. All I know is our guys have done a great job of focusing on the job at hand and guys in the room.
“That’s where our head is at.”
If Bauer’s suspension is not reduced, he will miss the remainder of the 2022 season, all of 2023 and some of 2024 as well.
Roberts didn’t address Dodgers clubhouse over Bauer suspension
The Dodgers have kept their focus on the field throughout the Bauer investigation, and although Friday brought about some progress toward finality, Roberts did not speak with the clubhouse about the matter, nor feel it would be necessary.
“Only thing I’ve talked to the team about is the Detroit Tigers,” he said. “I’m sure everyone read the statement the Dodgers put out, and I just feel that our guys understand let the process take place, and outside of that we’ve just got to play baseball.
“That’s just kind of the only course of action we can take.”
Roberts previously dismissed the notion of Bauer’s situation serving as a distraction for the Dodgers even as it was reported the 31-year-old was considering challenging his administrative leave by showing up to Dodger Stadium.
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