Los Angeles Dodgers opened Spring Training camp on Sunday, but they remained without Trevor Bauer as he again was placed on administrative leave by MLB due to their ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations.
Bauer’s initial leave began last July and wound up being periodically extended through the conclusion of the 2021 World Series. He has since avoided criminal charges for the matter but could still be in line for a lengthy suspension from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
The 31-year-old opted into the second year of his contract with L.A., but his future remains in doubt.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, a potential Bauer suspension would not include credit for games missed last season:
“If he is suspended, he is likely to appeal. Any penalty is unlikely to apply retroactively,” said Rosenthal. “Bauer would both miss additional games and start forfeiting salary, losing about $16 million if he was suspended for 80 games, about $8 million if he was suspended for 40, etc.”
When the league wraps up its investigation and determines the length of Bauer’s suspension, it would apply entirely to the 2022 season.
Under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, the league can levy any suspension they feel is necessary, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or not. Some have speculated such a punishment for Bauer could be up for a full season.
MLB, Dodgers remain silent on Bauer
During the lockout, MLB had not suspended or interviewed Bauer over allegations of sexual assault. But now that the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been put in motion, the league is expected to arrange an interview.
can continue investigating the case.
“MLB’s investigation is ongoing and we will comment further at the appropriate time,” the league said in a statement at the time it was determined Bauer would not face criminal charges.
Similarly, the Dodgers declined to address the matter. “MLB is continuing their investigation,” they said in a statement. “We will have no further comment until it concludes.”
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