As the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of reporting to Camelback Ranch for the start of 2022 Spring Training, manager Dave Roberts indicated he wasn’t certain what the immediate future held for Trevor Bauer.
Roberts did not rule out the right-hander joining the Dodgers in camp but noted he wasn’t fully aware of the status of MLB’s ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations. “I don’t want to completely close the door on him potentially being in Spring Training, because I just don’t know enough,” Roberts said.
“I certainly heard and saw his thoughts about a month ago, so he’s been staying in shape. I don’t know where he is as far as a reserve list, or how it works. I just don’t know that. So I don’t want to close the door completely.”
Shortly after Roberts’ remarks the league put Bauer back on administrative leave through Sunday. According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, that has been extended and Bauer will remain on the restricted list until at least April 16:
Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed Thursday to extend Bauer’s administrative leave through April 16.
MLB again placing Bauer on administrative leave removed him from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster for the time being. The vacancy was then filled when the team officially re-signed Clayton Kershaw to a one-year contract.
With Bauer unable to return until at least the middle of April, he is scheduled to miss all of Spring Training and the first week of the 2022 regular season. The Dodgers’ season opener is April 8 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Potential Bauer suspension
The Pasadena Police Department concluded their investigation last year and turned over findings to the L.A. County District Attorney’s office in August, who announced last month that Bauer would not face criminal charges.
However, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can still impose a suspension despite Bauer being cleared on a criminal level. Should the league take such action, it’s not believed Bauer would receive credit for games missed in 2021.
Any suspension MLB levies would amount to Bauer not being paid and his salary being removed from the Dodgers’ payroll, which in turn has implications on the luxury tax.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
