MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced a Trevor Bauer suspension of 324 games, which is the longest punishment under the sport’s domestic violence policy since it was instituted in August 2015. The polarizing Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher promptly declared he is appealing the ruling, though Bauer won’t be eligible to play while going through the process.
Bauer missed 81 games last season while on administrative leave, then 12 more in the playoffs and the initial 18 games of 2022. However, those missed games will not count as time served on his suspension.
MLB began their investigation last season when a San Diego woman brought forth sexual assault allegations. Although the Pasadena Police Department decided not to file criminal charges against Bauer, he faced potential punishment under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
Because Bauer did not agree to the suspension, he was permitted to file a grievance to be determined by an arbitrator jointly selected by MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA). That also was a factor in determining the length of Bauer’s suspension.
It isn’t uncommon for players to win appeals, as Alex Rodriguez had his then-record 211-game suspension reduced to 162 games in 2013 after being suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Ryan Braun also had his suspension for PED use completely overturned due to a chain-of-custody issue. However, he later agreed to serve 65 games for his involvement with Biogenesis.
If Bauer’s suspension is upheld, he wouldn’t be eligible to play again until 19 games into the 2024 season. That would extend past the expiration of the three-year contract Bauer signed with the Dodgers.
Dodgers support MLB’s suspension of Bauer
After declining to comment until MLB completed its investigation of Bauer, the Dodgers recently issued a statement that supports the league’s decision.
“Today we were informed that MLB has concluded its investigation into allegations that have been made against Trevor Bauer, and the Commissioner has issued his decision regarding discipline,” they said in a statement after the announcement of the suspension.
“The Dodgers organization takes all allegations of this nature very seriously and does not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence or sexual assault. We’ve cooperated fully with MLB’s investigation since it began, and we fully support MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, and the Commissioner’s enforcement of the Policy.
“We understand that Trevor has the right to appeal the Commissioner’s decision. Therefore, we will not comment further until the process is complete.”
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