Dodgers: MLB Places Trevor Bauer on Administrative Leave Before Camps Open
In an unsurprising move, Major League Baseball is reportedly placing Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer on administrative leave ahead of Sunday’s spring training report date. Officially, the leave is set for April 13th through the 20th as of now. The move is unsurprising in that MLB has yet to conduct its full investigation into Bauer. More on that in a second.
First, MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted the details on Friday afternoon.
Trevor Bauer is expected to be placed on administrative leave for a week as MLB investigates/considers possible suspension. Bauer doesn’t believe his case warrants a ban since a judge who heard the case threw it out. MLB can and has issued suspensions for non-criminal offenses.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022
Bauer was accused of sexual assault last summer and was placed on paid administrative leave for the entire second half of the season and playoffs. In August, a petition for a restraining order against Bauer was dissolved by a Los Angeles judge. Last month, the LA County District Attorney’s office announced that the 31-year-old would not face criminal charges, stating:
“After a thorough review of the available evidence, including the civil restraining order proceedings, witness statements and the physical evidence, the People are unable to prove the relevant charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”
With the lockout eating up most of the winter, it’s presumed that MLB investigators were unable to conduct their full investigation. MLBPA players and league officials were barred from communicating with each other. With that, and the lockout just ending less than 48 hours prior, the league chose to avoid the media circus and place Bauer on administrative leave in order to talk to the pitcher and collect the information it needs.
MLB still has not completed its investigation or interviewed #Dodgers starter Trevor Bauer since July. The league will determine whether Bauer will be suspended without pay. https://t.co/O7cYjlHZZC
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 11, 2022
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about Bauer’s potential attendance earlier on Friday where he said that he was unsure where the hurler’s case stood.
“I don’t want to completely close the door on him potentially being in spring training because I just don’t know enough,” Roberts said.
Insiders have maintained all offseason long that a suspension is expected to be handed down to the Bauer. MLB will refer to the joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policy in its investigation.
NEXT: Trevor Bauer Releases Video Revealing His Side of Story