MLB extends Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer's administrative leave as players report to spring training
Major League Baseball extended Trevor Bauer's administrative leave once again on Friday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander still faces possible disciplinary action by the league even as the Los Angeles County district attorney's office announced he would not face charges after a California woman claims he assaulted her.
Bauer, 31, had his administrative leave extended nine times after a woman claimed he exploited her sexually and punched her during two encounters that were otherwise consensual; Bauer has maintained the woman consented to all his actions.
Bauer's leave was extended, with the consent of the MLB Players' Assn. from Sunday - the mandatory date for spring training camps following the settlement of MLB's 99-day lockout on Thursday – through March 19, and could be extended again.
He did not pitch again for the Dodgers after he was first placed on administrative leave in July following the emergence of allegations. An Ohio woman also alleged, the Washington Post reported, that Bauer assaulted her in 2017 and filed a temporary order of protection against him in June 2020.
Players are paid during administrative leave, though they are not due to receive their first 2022 paychecks until the regular season begins next month.
Per the collectively bargained domestic violence policy, MLB retains the right to suspend players even if they are not criminally charged in an incident.
Bauer is in the second year of a three-year, $102 million contract with the Dodgers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trevor Bauer's leave extended by MLB as spring training begins
