Major League Baseball announced Trevor Bauer was placed on seven-day administrative leave, effective immediately. The Los Angeles Dodgers had been deferring to MLB amid their ongoing investigation and originally planned to start Bauer on Sunday.
“MLB’s investigation into the allegations made against Trevor Bauer is ongoing,” the league said in a statement. “While no determination in the case has been made, we have made the decision to place Mr. Bauer on seven-day administrative leave effective immediately.
“MLB continues to collect information in our ongoing investigation concurrent with the Pasadena Police Department’s active criminal investigation. We will comment further at the appropriate time.”
MLB can request to extend the paid administrative leave after the seven days, but doing so would require approval from the Players Association. Bauer has 24 hours if he wishes to appeal their ruling on his first leave.
Should he not do so, Bauer will be placed on the restricted list and temporarily removed from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
The Dodgers were not permitted to take disciplinary action on their own accord while the league conducts its investigation, per the domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy that was agreed to by MLB and the MLBPA.
“I’m in the position of following the lead of Major League Baseball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday. “Their recommendation was he is our scheduled Sunday starter and to move forward and have him start that game on Sunday.
“For me to try to read into it anymore outside of following what they have advised me and us to do, I just choose to follow their lead.”
A woman accused Bauer of sexual assault and obtained a temporary restraining order earlier this week. The Pasadena Police Department is investigating the matter and charges nor an arrest have been made. Bauer is scheduled for a court hearing on July 23.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can suspend a player under the joint domestic violence policy even if charges are not filed.
Roberts spoke with Bauer
At the time of explaining why the Dodgers were still moving forward with tentative plans to start Bauer in the series finale against the Washington Nationals, Roberts revealed he had discussions with the right-hander in light of the accusations.
“I can’t,” answered Roberts when asked if he could reveal details of their discussion. “I don’t choose to.”
The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673.
