Not long before first pitch of the series finale between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, reports surfaced of Trevor Bauer being accused of sexually assaulting a woman who obtained a temporary restraining order.
Bauer was not seen in the Dodgers’ dugout at the beginning of the game, but did join his teammates at some point and celebrate the 3-1 win on the field. Thus far the team has only addressed the matter through a statement.
“The Dodgers were made aware of the allegations against Trevor Bauer late this afternoon and immediately contacted MLB, which will be handling this matter,” it read. “The Dodgers take any allegations of this nature very seriously, but will have no further comment at this time.”
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Alden Gonzalez, Bauer is facing a hearing for the case later this month:
Bauer plans to deny the account during a July 23 hearing, according to his representatives.
The Pasadena Police Department is investigating the matter, and so too is MLB. The Dodgers are not permitted to take disciplinary action on their own accord while the league is conducting its own investigation, per the domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy that was agreed to by MLB and the Players Association.
Commissioner Rob Manfred does have the authority to place Bauer on paid administrative leave for seven days during the investigation. Should the league require additional time for their process, the leave can be extended so long as the MLBPA agrees.
A player can be suspended under the domestic violence policy even if not being charged by law enforcement with a crime.
Bauer with Dodgers
Bauer travelled with the Dodgers for an eight-game road trip that is scheduled to begin Thursday against the Washington Nationals, weather permitting. As of now, Bauer is scheduled to start Sunday in the series finale at Nationals Park.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673.
