Los Angeles Dodgers: Trevor Bauer’s leave extended again
By David Hill
One would imagine that the Los Angeles Dodgers were hoping to have some degree of certainty regarding Trevor Bauer. Now that his legal issues have ended, it is a matter of Major League Baseball determining what, if any, punishment that he would face. Considering that the lockout is over, it seemed those answers would be forthcoming.
That is not the case. The league has instead decided to extend Bauer’s administrative leave for yet another week, pushing that date out until March 19. Meanwhile, he will not report to spring training while he is on leave.
Los Angeles Dodgers still waiting for Trevor Bauer resolution
It is somewhat surprising that the league has not made a decision on Bauer. They had the entire lockout to determine what punishment, if any, he would receive. That was especially the case after it was determined that he would not be prosecuted for his actions.
The league may have also set precedent when it comes to Bauer. Marcell Ozuna was technically given a 20 game suspension for running afoul of MLB’s domestic violence policy, but that is considered to be time served. While Bauer is likely to receive a much longer suspension, it would be difficult to argue that he would not fall under the ‘time served’ category as well.
Instead, the league is just kicking the can down the road. They will, at some point, deal with Bauer. Until they, they are going to delay their decision as long as possible, hoping that the entire situation will go away.
From a baseball standpoint, the Dodgers need clarification going forward. Even though Clayton Kershaw is back on a one year deal, they still have needs in the rotation. Bauer would be a major boost for a team with postseason aspirations. But they need to know if, or when, he will be able to return to the mound first.
Next. Bauer at MLBPA camp. dark
Major League Baseball has extended Trevor Bauer’s leave once again. At some point, they have to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a resolution.