Trevor Bauer has not pitched since the 2021 campaign, and he’ll continue to be sidelined for a while.
Major League Baseball concluded its investigation into allegations of sexual assault against the pitcher, and decided it would suspend him for two years for violating the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Bauer responded immediately with a statement on Twitter.
“In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence & sexual assault policy. I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives & I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.”
Two years is a fairly unprecedented length for a suspension. Bauer avoided criminal charges, but the league, obviously, still could suspend him.
The Dodgers released a statement acknowledging the suspension, but refrained from commenting further until Bauer’s appeal had been decided upon. Bauer signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers prior to the 2021 campaign, but has made just 17 appearances for them.
Ordinarily, the league and offending player will reach a settlement on a punishment, thus avoiding an appeal. Bauer has maintained his innocence throughout the process, and that continues to be the case as he pursues an appeal.
A timeline on an appeal decision is not clear. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said that time served already by Bauer will not factor into the suspension.
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