Sources: MLB, union again extend Bauer’s leave
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has had his administrative leave extended by Major League Baseball and the players’ association through April 22, sources confirmed to ESPN.
He was placed on seven days’ paid leave last July 2 under the union and MLB’s joint domestic violence and sexual assault policy after a Southern California woman said he choked her into unconsciousness, punched her repeatedly and had anal sex with her without her consent during two sexual encounters earlier last year.
MLB and the union have since agreed to multiple extensions of the administrative leave.
Bauer has not pitched since June 29, 2021. He had a record of 8-2 and a 2.59 ERA in 17 appearances in his first season with the Dodgers. He signed a three-year, $102 million contract last offseason and was paid his $28 million salary for 2021 last year.
Los Angeles prosecutors declined to pursue assault and domestic violence charges against Bauer in February.
After the prosecutors’ decision, Bauer vehemently denied in a seven-minute video posted on YouTube that he abused the woman. He said the two engaged in rough sex at her suggestion and followed guidelines they agreed to in advance. He said each encounter ended with them joking and her spending the night.
ESPN does not typically identify people who say they have been victims of sexual assault.
After winning his first Cy Young Award with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, Bauer agreed to a $102 million, three-year contract to join his hometown Dodgers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.