Speaking to members of the press Thursday, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the team expects star pitcher Trevor Bauer to make his next start on Sunday vs. the Nationals.
Bauer, who is in the first of a three year $102M contract with Los Angeles, is currently being accused of sexual assault stemming from incidents on April 21st and May 16th. The accuser, a 27 year old woman from the San Diego area, alleges that the 30 year old right hander choked and punched her, resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization.
Lawyers for Bauer deny the woman’s account, and plan to present their side at a hearing scheduled for July. Major League Baseball has opened an investigation regarding the incident, however no punitive measures, be they financial or suspension related have been levied as of yet. Because there were no arrests made, many speculate that the MLB will simply wait until the police investigation plays out before making any decisions regarding Bauer’s future. Until then, there would be no restrictions on Bauer’s use unless they came from the Dodgers themselves.
The woman has been granted a temporary restraining order against Bauer per The Athletic which first broke the story. Multiple media outlets have since received copies of the restraining order which outlines in graphic detail the alleged encounters and her subsequent injuries.
Per a statement from Bauer’s attorney, Trevor claims that any encounter he may have had with the woman were “wholly consensual” in nature. The reigning Cy Young winner may face criminal charges as a result of the accusations.