Bauer still barred from returning to the Dodgers under cloud of sexual assault allegations
Los Angeles, California - LA Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer is still on an extended break from his team, while his impending legal situation involving sexual assault allegations gets sorted out.
The 30-year-old, who at one time was part of the Dodgers' dominating starting pitching rotation, has had his administrative leave extended yet again by Major League Baseball.
As reported by ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, this would in fact be the fifth time his leave has been revived while his legal issues go through LA Superior Court.
He’s expected to appear in court August 16 through19 for a civil hearing regarding charges of sexual misconduct that have been on the books since June of this year. This particular hearing had been rescheduled twice, by request of Bauer’s legal representation, which was likely why his leave was extended a couple of times.
Bauer is accused of committing physical violence towards a woman on two separate occasions, resulting in the alleged victim's hospitalization and the filing of a restraining order.
Bauer has maintained his innocence in the matter, calling his encounters with the woman "wholly consensual."
MLB has the right to single-handedly place a player on leave, for up to seven days, under the league’s domestic violence policy. It can have that action extended for more time in conjunction with the MLB Player’s Association (MLBPA).
Bauer has been on leave since July 2, but now, his time away is set to end on August 20.
While he's been out of the game, the athlete is still collecting his salary from a three-year $102 million contract with the Dodgers.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire