Los Angeles Dodgers distancing themselves from Trevor Bauer

It had seemed as though the Los Angeles Dodgers could not have handled the Trevor Bauer situation any worse. From the time that the domestic assault allegations were brought to light until he was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball on Friday. While the Dodgers’ hands were tied, they could have done a lot more than to claim that Bauer would make his regularly scheduled start until his being placed on leave.

At least now they are being proactive. The Dodgers have removed all of Bauer’s merchandise from their team store and online shop as they are distancing themselves from the situation.

Los Angeles Dodgers distancing themselves from Trevor Bauer

It should not be much of a surprise that the Dodgers canceled his bobblehead night, especially given the proximity to his being placed on leave. The optics of continuing to celebrate his signing, and his place in the game, during the investigation would have been a disaster.

Likewise, it makes sense why the Dodgers would remove his merchandise from their stores. Continuing to sell his jerseys and shirts would have made the decision to cancel his bobblehead day appear to be a half measure.

The Dodgers are on the hook for another $62 million after this season. Including the remainder of this year, that total comes to approximately $80 million. One would understand if they attempted to get some of that money back, even though selling his merchandise would be incredibly difficult at this point.

Instead, the Dodgers have been able to build back some goodwill. They dramatically lost the PR battle when they made the ill-fated statement that there was nothing they could do about Bauer until the league acted. But now, by going as far as they have to distance themselves from their prized free agent signing, the team is doing what is right.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are distancing themselves from Trevor Bauer. Considering what has happened, it is the right move.