Trevor Bauer, who last pitched for the Dodgers on June 28, was placed on administrative leave in July awaiting word of pending criminal and MLB investigations into sexual assault allegations.
Almost six months later, with the sport essentially shut down, what’s been done? What is yet to be decided? The Athletic tries to answer some of the pressing questions and look at what could be next.
What’s the latest on Bauer?
Bauer’s case remains with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, where it’s been since the Pasadena Police Department presented its investigation into sexual assault allegations against Bauer to the DA on Aug. 27. That presentation came eight days after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied a woman’s request for a long-term restraining order against Bauer.
What does that mean for MLB’s investigation?
The league initially placed Bauer on leave July 2 as it began investigating sexual assault allegations against him, stemming from two separate incidents with a woman at Bauer’s residence in Pasadena, Calif, as detailed in court documents. The investigation being conducted by MLB remains active.
Even in a lockout?
Yes. While Major League Baseball’s owners and players negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, the league’s investigations group is still working. While MLB can’t require player cooperation right now, they can interview other people, follow up on leads and continue to investigate tips in any and all matters, including Bauer’s.
It’s worth noting that the player interview is almost always the last step in investigations and Bauer’s camp would be unlikely to grant an interview while a potential criminal charge is still on the table. So, while things can proceed on MLB’s end, they are limited until the DA’s office issues a ruling.