Spring Training Not Starting For Trevor Bauer — Yet

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Trevor Bauer sat out much of last season after being placed on "administrative leave" due to allegations of sexual assault that have since been thrown out of court. But with the collective bargaining agreement out of the way, major league baseball still needs to complete its own investigation.

Trevor Bauer is expected to be placed on administrative leave for a week as MLB investigates/considers possible suspension. Bauer doesn’t believe his case warrants a ban since a judge who heard the case threw it out. MLB can and has issued suspensions for non-criminal offenses.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022

Although the charges were thrown out by a Los Angeles court judge, MLB can still levy a suspension if it feels, depending on its own investigation, that it's warranted. As Jon Heyman reports, Bauer will be placed on administrative leave for a week as MLB considers a possible suspension, and the MLBPA has complied. 

As we reported last month, the LA District Attorney made the decision not to pursue criminal charges. But the commissioner's office has its own powers, separate from the courts:

Yes, MLB still can suspend Bauer. From league’s joint domestic violence policy: “A player may be subjected to disciplinary action for just cause by the Commissioner for a violation of this policy in absence of a conviction or a plea of guilty to a crime…” https://t.co/1n4JxRbsAn

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 8, 2022

Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said today that he "doesn't want to close the door completely" on having Bauer in camp, as he is not fully versed on where the investigation stands. 

Photo Credit:  Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports