Three days after reports surfaced of Trevor Bauer being accused of sexual assault, he was placed on paid administrative leave by Major League Baseball. Bauer had traveled with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the start of the road trip, but has been away from the team since July 2.
With MLB launching an investigation, the Dodgers have continued to defer to the league’s handling of the situation. Because of the joint domestic violence violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, a team is not permitted to impose punishment once the league begins a formal investigation.
As such, the Dodgers have continued to defer to MLB, who has now reached three separate agreements with the Players Association to extend Bauer’s leave.
According to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, the latest agreement between MLB and the MLBPA has Bauer on paid administrative leave at least through Friday, Aug. 6:
MLB and MLBPA have agreed to extend Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave to August 6th, according to a League official.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 27, 2021
The new agreement is notable in that the date is after Bauer’s hearing in regards on an ex-parte temporary restraining order that was postponed from last week to Aug. 2, 3 and 19. The restraining order remains in place until the hearing begins.
It’s plausible there will be more clarity after the two initial days of the new hearing dates, which in turn could help provide some direction for MLB and the union. Though, their investigation is separate from the process being carried out by the Pasadena Police Department.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to levy a suspension under the joint domestic violence policy even if charges are not filed.
Report: Dodgers don’t want Bauer to return
As more time passes it becomes less likely the 30-year-old will pitch again this season, or 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 back with the team regardless of how the investigations conclude.
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