The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost several key starting pitchers in recent weeks to injury, but also remain without Trevor Bauer due to off-the-field conduct. He remains under investigation by both MLB and the Pasadena Police Department for alleged sexual assault.
Bauer was placed on paid administrative leave at the start of July and hasn’t pitched since June 28. That was the day prior to a woman coming forward with the allegations and obtaining a temporary restraining order in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Bauer’s absence already has been extended four times, which was made possible by MLB and the Players Association reaching separate agreements.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the right-hander’s hiatus will be extended another seven days and now run through Aug. 20:
MLB and the union have agreed to extend Trevor Bauer’s admin leave another week through Aug. 20
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 13, 2021
This potentially could be the final time Bauer’s administrative leave is extended as his court hearings for the temporary restraining order in place are set for Aug. 16-19.
The hearings originally were scheduled to begin on July 23 but got delayed after Bauer’s attorney requested more time to review information. They then were rescheduled to Aug. 2, 3 and 19 before the latest change.
It’s possible there will be more clarity after next week’s court hearings. That in turn could help provide some direction for MLB and the union to make a decision on Bauer’s future.
Even if Bauer does not get arrested or face criminal charges, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has the authority to levy a suspension under the joint domestic violence policy.
Dodgers reportedly don’t want Bauer to return
Regardless of how the investigations unfold, the chances of Bauer pitching again for the Dodgers this season look slimmer by the day. Most of the clubhouse is said to not want him back, and the organization previously replaced his bobblehead night and stopped selling his merchandise.
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