Trevor Bauer administrative leave extended

After being at each others throats for 99 days, the MLBPA and MLB are in an agreeing mood, it seems. They have both decided to extend Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave until the 16th of April.

Originally meant to expire this weekend, Bauer’s paid administrative leave was brought about at the end of last season by a San Diego woman accusing him of sexual assault. Last month, he was cleared of any criminal charges in the matter, but the league and Dodger fanbase have been looking to distance themselves from the 2020 Cy Young winner.

Bauer has not pitched since the criminal investigation began on June 29, and he posted a record of 8-2 and a 2.59 ERA in 17 appearances in his first season with the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office concluded their investigation after declining to press charges. Bauer vehemently denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the two engaged in rough sex at her suggestion and followed guidelines they agreed to in advance. Each encounter ended with them joking and her spending the night.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has the power to suspend Trevor Bauer, which would mean that his salary would no longer be paid. Manfred could also delegate the discipline to the Dodgers themselves. Since he was initially placed on administrative leave July 2. He still received his entire $38 million salary and signing bonus. He’s scheduled to make $32 million this season.

The hole that Trevor Bauer finds himself in is that while he can claim legal exoneration, he has not endeared himself to any of his team mates or indeed the fanbase. His behaviour and attitude have been aloof, at best, throughout his career. With few friends to fight his corner, baseball seems happy enough to cut him loose.