Trevor Bauer is stuck in limbo. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher remains on administrative leave, something that has been extended once again as Major League Baseball attempts to determine his potential suspension. While that is taking place, Bauer will continue to collect his salary, but is not allowed to be a part of the team.
That may no longer be satisfactory to Bauer. According to reports, he is exploring whether or not his continued administrative leave is part of a binding agreement. If it is not, he could attempt to return to the Dodgers as soon as Sunday.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer firing salvo at league
Such a move would be unprecedented. Typically, players accept that leave, wait for their punishment to be determined, and then come back when they are allowed to. For his part, Bauer has done that since he was banished back in June 2021.
The league also says that it has a written agreement with the Player’s Union regarding the most recent extension of his administrative leave. As far as they are concerned, such an agreement is binding. But that is also exactly what one would expect the league to say – they are not going to admit if they do not have a leg to stand on.
It is uncertain as to what Bauer’s motives are. As Bill Shaikin noted in the linked article, should Bauer claim that the most recent extension to his leave is not binding, it could force Manfred’s hand and make him issue a suspension. Bauer would likely appeal any such suspension as he looks to restart his major league career.
Even then, his situation is unclear. While the Dodgers could use him in their rotation, it is unknown whether or not he would be welcomed back. They have not had to make a determination on his status as the league keeps delaying their own decision, allowing both to kick the can down the road. But that day of reckoning could be upon both as soon as Sunday.
Trevor Bauer is reportedly exploring whether or not the latest extension of his leave is binding. If not, he could return to the Los Angeles Dodgers soon.