MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced a Trevor Bauer suspension of 324 games, effective immediately and without pay. Bauer promptly declared he is appealing the ruling and anticipates being victorious.
Bauer will not be eligible to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers while going through the appeal process.
MLB began their investigation last season when a San Diego woman brought forth sexual assault charges. Bauer was placed on paid administrative leave, which was periodically extended through the conclusion of the 2021 World Series.
Bauer then was put back on the restricted list prior to Spring Training beginning last month. His latest stay on administrative leave was due to expire Friday.
In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence & sexual assault policy. I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives & I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) April 29, 2022
Because Bauer is not receiving credit for games missed, his suspension — pending appeal — covers the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons, and stretches into 2024 as well. That notably extends beyond the three-year, $102 million contract the Dodgers signed Bauer to.
The team has already paid roughly $41 million of that balance.
Dodgers statement on Bauer suspension
Over the past year the Dodgers continued to decline comment regarding Bauer and deferred to MLB’s ongoing investigation. The team lent their support to Manfred’s ruling on Friday.
“Today we were informed that MLB has concluded its investigation into allegations that have been made against Trevor Bauer, and the Commissioner has issued his decision regarding discipline,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
“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. 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.”
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