5 questions about Trevor Bauer’s possible MLB return as the Dodgers face a decision deadline

On Dec. 22, an arbitrator reduced the suspension of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer from 324 games to 194 games under Major League Baseball’s Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy. rice field. (Bauer’s suspension remains the longest the league has imposed under this policy.) Pursuant to Rule 2(c), the Dodgers will either reinstate Bauer to the roster or suspend him for full release. I was given a grace period of 2 weeks.

The two-week window ends Friday (January 6), with just a few days left before the Dodgers make their final decision. Below, CBS Sports answers his five related questions about Bauer’s situation. This includes why he was suspended in the first place and what would happen if the Dodgers fired him.

1. When and why was Bauer suspended?

Bauer was first suspended in April 2022 after a league investigation into allegations of assault. He took a leave of absence after starting on June 28, 2021 while the league and Pasadena police investigate the charges. The police department announced in February last year that Mr Bauer would not face criminal charges. MLB reserves the right to discipline players for policy violations without arrest or conviction.

In June 2021, The Athletic published an article detailing one woman’s accusations against Bauer. “I agreed to have consensual sex. But I didn’t agree to what he did next. I didn’t agree to be sexually assaulted,” The Athletic reports. can be read here, but note that it includes graphic details from the restraining order request, including allegations that Bauer beat and strangled a woman.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge later dismissed a female temporary restraining order against Bauer. We did not decide that we did not. [her.]”)

2. Why was Bauer’s suspension reduced?

The independent arbitrator who reduced Bauer’s suspension issued only a ruling and no explanation. los angeles timesDon’t expect to learn immediately about the thought process behind the decision. .

3. What if the Dodgers bring Bauer back?

In this scenario, the Dodgers would have Bauer back on the roster. Don’t let the simplicity of the transaction obscure the complexity of the call. The Dodgers need to consider how the fanbase (and the general public) will view their continued relationship with Bauer, as well as how the clubhouse will accept him. Even though the Dodgers believed Bauer was still a productive pitcher, he hadn’t appeared in a game in over his 18 months, but this should be treated more carefully and seriously than a normal baseball decision. should be

The Dodgers also have the option of bringing Bauer back, with the intention of trading him at a later date if they are willing to find a trading partner.

4. What if the Dodgers release Bauer?

In this scenario, the Dodgers would cut Bauer and he would become a free agent. It should be noted that the Dodgers are responsible for about $22 million after his salary in 2023, or after his arbitrator deducts his salary for his first 50 games of the season. Bauer can sign with another club of his choice for a league minimum (over $700,000).

5. Could another team sign Bauer?

So far it’s unclear. Baseball, like other professional sports, typically puts talent above other considerations, such as public backlash and messages sent to domestic violence survivors. The team has hired the likes of Aroldis Chapman, Marcel Ozuna, Domingo Germain and Julio Urias after completing suspensions caused by the same policy.

Remember, it’s been over three years since the Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman. The signing was criticized both internally and externally, given that Osuna had been suspended for 75 games for violating the league’s domestic violence policy.