After a lengthy appeal process between Trevor Bauer and Major League Baseball, arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman reduced his suspension from 324 games to 194, reinstating the right-hander from the restricted list effective immediately.
The Dodgers have until January 6, 2023, to either reinstate Bauer to their 40-man roster, trade him or elect to release the 31-year-old. The arbitrator’s decision included docking Bauer’s pay for the first 50 games of the 2023 season, but the Dodgers still remain on the hook for an estimated $22 million.
Bauer had been on administrative leave since early July of 2021 due to allegations of sexual assault, and according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers are looking to obtain more information on Scheinman’s ruling:
The team would like to gather more information about precisely what led to the arbitrator’s decision.
Because of the volatility of the case and the public relations barrage that is sure to come with any decision, the Dodgers not having an immediate plan is concerning. But doing their due diligence into Scheinman’s ruling could aid them in their next steps.
However, obtaining information about Bauer’s appeal and the decision to reduce his suspension is nearly impossible due to the confidentiality that comes with the process.
Meanwhile, Bauer took to social media to express his excitement about returning to the mound but didn’t mention the Dodgers in his post, leaving some doubt that the starter will return to the team.
Dodgers rumored to be releasing Trevor Bauer
After the independent arbitrator’s ruling to reinstate Bauer, the Dodgers have until early January to formally act on his future, but according to reports, the team plans to release Bauer.
The Dodgers released a statement regarding the ruling, “We have just been informed of the arbitrator’s ruling and will comment as soon as practical,” they said.
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