Trevor Bauer is currently on administrative leave, but he won’t be welcomed back if he is permitted to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The league placed Bauer on paid administrative leave as the MLB investigates sexual assault allegations under the league’s collectively bargained domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. Pasadena police are also investigating Bauer for felony assault separately from the league’s investigation.
The alleged incidents took place earlier this year. A woman alleges that Bauer assaulted her in two separate encounters. The woman has since obtained an ex parte temporary restraining order against Bauer in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Last week, Bauer appeared in court to fight an extension of the protective order sought by the woman who alleges the assault. Attorneys for both sides intend to call witnesses and the hearing has been scheduled for August 2. The judge ruled Bauer must take the stand at that time, which is standard in such civil proceedings.
It is currently unknown when the right-handed pitcher could return to the club. However, a possible return would be met with opposition. According to two people with knowledge of Dodgers clubhouse dynamics, who are unauthorized to speak publicly about the situation, most players do not want Bauer back under any circumstances.
Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million contract with multiple opt-outs this past offseason. Under the league’s domestic violence policy, the Dodgers cannot release Bauer until the investigation is complete. If the team does release him then, they will still owe him the balance of his contract.
Bauer, 30, went 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts before being placed on administrative leave. Last year, the right-handed flamethrower won the CY Young award with the Cincinnati Reds.
