Trevor Bauer is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team decided to remove the right-handed pitcher on Friday, less than two weeks after he returned from suspension after an independent arbitrator reduced his 324-game suspension to 194 games on December 22, 2022. specified for assignment.
The DFA move would mean the Dodgers have seven days to release or trade him, which is unlikely. After that, they would have to pay a salary of $22.5 million for the 2023 season, and the former NL Cy Young Award winner is free to sign with any team in MLB for a minimum league salary of $720,000. .
The Dodgers released a statement on Friday confirming the results of MLB’s initial investigation that led to Bauer’s 324-game suspension.
“The Dodgers organization believes that allegations of sexual assault or domestic violence should be thoroughly investigated with due process given to the accused. We have cooperated fully with the investigation of and are strictly following the procedures set forth in MLB’s Collaborative Domestic Violence , Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Two extensive reviews of all available evidence in this case (one by Commissioner Manfred and the other by a neutral arbitrator) believes that Mr Bauer’s actions have led to the suspension of all active players in the sport under this Policy. This process is complete. After careful consideration, we have decided that he is no longer part of our organization.
Bauer signed a three-year, $102.5 million contract with the Dodgers as a free agent ahead of the 2021 season. He was suspended on pay in early July of that year after news broke that a San Diego woman had been granted a restraining order against Bauer.
Bauer was never charged with a crime by the Pasadena Police Department.
Bauer received a two-season suspension from the MLB in May 2022, but the MLB Players Association appealed on Bauer’s behalf, and on May 23, a three-member panel led by independent arbitrator Martin Schienmann filed an appeal. started the trial.
Schoenman ruled on December 22, reducing Bauer’s suspension from the original 324 games to 194 games, allowing Bauer to return immediately, but allocating 50 games without pay at the start of the 2023 season. rice field.
The ruling left the Dodgers with January 6, 2023 to decide whether to release Bauer or return him to the 40-man roster. A 50-game no-pay ruling leaves the Dodgers with only $22 million of Bauer’s starting salary of $32 million for his 2023 season.
Bauer is 8-5 in 17 games with the Dodgers and has a 2.59 ERA in 2021.
Bauer released a statement of his own after the Dodgers’ announcement on Friday night.
“While we were unable to contact each other during the administrative leave and arbitration process, my attorney spoke with the Dodgers leadership shortly after the arbitration decision. 2 regarding my return to the organization. After a week of conversations, I spoke with the Dodgers’ coaches in Arizona yesterday and said, “They told me they wanted me to come back and pitch on the team this year. Organization decision today. I am very disappointed with this, but I am grateful for the wealth of support I have received from the Dodgers Clubhouse.”
