With Trevor Bauer reinstated from Major League baseball’s restricted list in late December, it marked the start of decision time for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
And one must come quickly.
With the timing of a ruling that reportedly took the Dodgers by surprise, Bauer had his suspension reduced to 194 games and club has only until Friday to take action.
As the Dodgers mull their options, they still are holding hope to obtain the written explanation from arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers would like to get a copy of the arbitrator’s written rationale for his decision, but that is unlikely. Although the arbitrator has delivered his decision, he has not yet delivered the explanatory report that follows.
While it’s evident that the Dodgers are clearly evaluating all of their options with expected due diligence, the arbitrator’s explanation could perhaps provide them with ample reasonings to inform their decision regarding the former Cy Young Award winner.
Dodgers players offer feelings on Trevor Bauer
Although expectations would believe that the Dodgers’ decision regarding Bauer would take the entire organization into consideration, players themselves have reportedly notified the front office of their own thoughts regarding his future.
While it’s reported that some players want Bauer back in their rotation, others have made it evident that they do not want him in the clubhouse.
Regardless of whether or not Bauer remains with Los Angeles, if a team should sign him, his past numbers clearly indicate that he can be successful on the big league mound.
A career 3.79 ERA-earner in just under 1,300 big league innings pitched, the right-hander amassed a 2.59 ERA across 17 starts with the Dodgers in 2021. To the tune of an 8-5 record, he also posted an impressive .182 batting average against.
If the Dodgers release Bauer, they still would owe him $22.5 million in salary for the 2023 season. As part of Scheinman’s ruling, Bauer pay was docked for the first 50 games this year.
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