With just over three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the final stretch of their schedule. They do so without Trevor Bauer, who has not pitched in a game since June 28.
That was the night before a San Diego woman obtained an ex parte restraining order due to allegations of sexual assault. Pasadena Police launched their criminal investigation July 1, and MLB placed Bauer on paid administrative leave the following day.
The right-hander has remained on the restricted list ever since, which requires weekly approval from the Players Association.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the league and union have agreed to extend Bauer’s leave through the remainder of the 2021 season and postseason:
Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer will miss the remainder of the 2021 season and the postseason after MLB and the MLBPA agreed to extend his administrative leave, a league official told ESPN. @jonheyman reported earlier that Bauer was likely to be out for the rest of the year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 10, 2021
With the Pasadena Police Department concluding its probe into the matter, Bauer still faces the possibility of criminal charges and remains the subject of an investigation by MLB.
Regardless of whether or not Bauer is charged of a crime, commissioner Rob Manfred would still have the authority to suspend him under the league’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
While it remains to be seen if a possible disciplinary action comes from Manfred, some within the league believe Bauer could face a suspension that lasts up to two years.
Roberts focused on Dodgers, not uncertainty with Bauer
As the Dodgers chase the San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West standings, there hasn’t been much discussion of Bauer among players and coaches.
“No, not at all,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re in a good place and playing good baseball. The way we’ve attacked it is kind of focusing on today and who’s in the room. That’s kind of the best recipe.”
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