The Los Angeles Dodgers expect to be without Trevor Bauer for at least the first week of the 2022 regular season as MLB extended his stay on administrative leave through April 16 due to their ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations.
Concurrent to MLB continuing with their investigation, Bauer is still pursuing evidence in hopes that it will further strengthen his defense. Last August an L.A. Superior Court judge dissolved a restraining order against Bauer as she ruled he was no longer a threat to the woman moving forward.
Bauer has since filed a subpoena with the Pasadena Police Department, which had access to the accuser’s cellphone during the initial sexual assault investigation. The woman’s attorneys believe that Bauer has not been given approval from the court to serve that subpoena.
Thus, Bauer’s accuser has asked the judge to dismiss his subpoena request, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
In asking a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to throw out the subpoena, the attorneys claimed Bauer continues to fight in a restraining order case that was decided seven months ago and wrote: “Mr. Bauer’s harassing and abusive conduct in retaliation must stop.”
A hearing is set for April 4, which if held and leads to some clarity, could impact MLB’s investigation and next course of action. Bauer is said to be cooperating with the league during their investigation, but it’s unclear if he’s been interviewed by MLB officials.
Under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, commissioner Rob Manfred can levy any suspension regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or not. Some have speculated such a punishment for Bauer could be up for a full season.
Potential Bauer suspension won’t be retroactively enforced
The 31-year-old’s initial leave began last July and wound up being periodically extended through the conclusion of the 2021 World Series.
There is speculation that any suspension from MLB will not be counted as time served and result in Bauer missing games during the 2022 season.
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