Trevor Bauer has been suspended 324 games without pay for violating MLB’s joint domestic violence policy.
Major League Baseball suspended Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer for two seasons, or 324 days, for violation of the league’s domestic violence policy. The suspension began Friday.
Bauer’s violation involves “a San Diego woman … granted a temporary restraining order against Bauer, alleging that she was assaulted during two sexual encounters in Bauer’s Pasadena home,” , according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya,
While no criminal charges were filed against Bauer, Ardaya reported that according to the league and players union’s joint domestic violence agreement, “a player does not have to be charged or convicted to be suspended under the policy. Players are able to challenge those decisions in front of an arbitration panel.”
To no one’s surprise, Bauer responded to the suspension noting that he is appealing the league’s decision.
The Dodgers released a statement regarding the suspension, but would not delve into any specifics.
The Dodgers acknowledged Bauer’s right to appeal the league’s decision, adding that the team will not comment until the process has been completed. The Dodgers likely want to forget this ever happened but essentially can not because of Bauer’s legal rights.
It is interesting to note, that the several months Bauer spent on paid administrative leave will not count toward the suspension. The suspension begins today, April 29, and will go into the 2024 season.
Ardaya noted Bauer was due $64 million for the remainder of his contract. “The Dodgers will not have to pay Bauer for the days he loses due to a suspension,” Ardaya reported.
Bauer and the league will likely spend plenty of time in the appeals process of this case. Bauer’s legal team is already litigating several matters involving this matter.
It will be curious to see how the appeal goes for Bauer.
He will be 33 when the suspension ends. It will be curious to see what he does to keep himself MLB ready while defending himself. Are his playing days over? Will he have to go overseas? Would any MLB want him after this debacle ? Would any team want to deal with Bauer and his antics after all of this is said and done?