Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Trevor Bauer is currently on administrative leave as MLB investigates sexual assault allegations under the league's collectively bargained domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. Separately, Pasadena police are investigating Bauer for felony assault. The alleged incidents took place earlier this year .
It's unclear when Bauer will be able to return to baseball -- a suspension under MLB's domestic violence policy looms in addition to potential criminal charges -- but, when he is, he may not be welcome in his own clubhouse. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says many Dodgers players do not want Bauer back. From DiGiovanna:
Bauer's career is in jeopardy, and his stay with the Dodgers could be over, the sexual-assault allegations having turned a pitcher in his prime into a pariah in his own clubhouse, where no teammate has spoken publicly about him or come to his defense. Two people with knowledge of Dodgers clubhouse dynamics, who are unauthorized to speak publicly about the situation, said that a majority of players do not want Bauer back under any circumstances.
The Dodgers signed Bauer to a three-year, $102 million contract with multiple opt-outs this past offseason. Under the domestic violence policy, the Dodgers can not release Bauer until the investigation is complete and he serves any discipline. If the team does release him at some point, they would still own him the balance of his contract.
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Last week, Bauer appeared in court to fight an extension of the protective order sought by the woman who alleges he assaulted her. Attorneys for both sides intend to call witnesses and the hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 2, reports the Associated Press. The judge ruled Bauer must take the stand at that time, which is standard in such civil proceedings.
MLB's domestic violence policy was implemented in 2016 and 13 players have since been disciplined, with suspensions ranging from 14 games to 162 games.
Bauer, 30, went 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts prior to being placed on administrative leave.
