When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Trevor Bauer to a record-setting contract this past offseason they exposed themselves to criticism and potential for disaster due to his lightning rod personality and history of questionable behavior on social media.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman assured the organization conducted an exhaustive background check — like with other signings — and was confident in Bauer being a positive presence not only on the field but in the community as well.
That went by the wayside when Bauer was accused by a San Diego woman of sexual assault. In the time leading up to a hearing for whether or not an ex parte restraining order would be extended, another report of misconduct alleged by a woman in Ohio came to light.
L.A. Superior Court judge Dianna Gould-Saltman dissolved the temporary restraining order, though Bauer has remained on the restricted list and last month was ruled out for the remainder of regular season and postseason.
An avid user of social media, the 30-year-old has largely been absent from various platforms since first being placed on administrative leave in July. However, that changed Tuesday night — the eve of the Dodgers facing the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card Game.
Bauer’s return to his YouTube channel and promise for more content throughout the playoffs, angered some with the Dodgers, according to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers have skillfully avoided discussing Bauer since his early-summer banishment, but seething uniformed and non-uniformed personnel alike unleashed waves of expletives Tuesday afternoon when asked about Bauer’s video.
“Are you [kidding] me?” one Dodgers person asked.
Soon after posting his video, Bauer held a watch party on YouTube for the American League Wild Card Game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
It’s unclear what else Bauer has planned, but in his video posted Tuesday, said, “This is a channel that aims to celebrate baseball culture and entertain, and I love bringing you guys along for that ride with me. So, I’ll see you all in a video here soon.”
Will MLB suspend Bauer
As MLB continues its investigation into the right-hander, there reportedly are some within the league who believe he could face a suspension for multiple years.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
