Trevor Bauer made just 17 starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season before his future with the team was thrown into doubt amid multiple allegations of sexual assault.
MLB placed Bauer on administrative leave last July and began an investigation into claims brought forth by a San Diego woman. Bauer remained on the restricted list through the 2021 World Series, and was put back on it at the start of Spring Training this year.
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.
That amounted to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred suspending Bauer for two years (324 games). The right-hander immediately declared he would appeal the punishment and restated his innocence.
According to Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic, Bauer’s appeal hearing is scheduled to begin Monday, May 23:
Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer’s appeal hearing is scheduled to begin on May 23, multiple sources told The Athletic, on the condition of anonymity given that the appeal process is confidential.
Bauer’s case will be heard by a panel of three arbitrators. One is selected by MLB, a second is chosen by the Players Association (MLBPA), and third is approved by both parties.
Bauer’s suspension is the longest ever levied under the domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy that went into effect in 2015. It’s presumed the length — and credit for games missed in 2021 and again this season not being granted — is a result of the league expecting an appeal.
Since MLB’s investigation into Bauer began last July, two additional women have also gone public with sexual assault allegations.
Last August, L.A. Superior Court judge Dianna Gould-Saltman dismissed a temporary restraining order under the basis Bauer no longer posed a threat to the San Diego woman. More recently, a separate judge denied his request to subpoena her cell phone records.
Trevor Bauer appeal process
Bauer’s appeal hearing is likely to be held in the ensuing months and will conclude with one of three possible outcomes.
The panel can dismiss the case, reduce the suspension, or uphold the entire punishment.
Alex Rodriguez won an appeal and his then-record 211-game suspension reduced to 162 games in 2013 after being punished 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.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
