Reports: Leave Extended for Dodger, Pasadena Resident Trevor Bauer

According to multiple media outlets, Major League Baseball and the players association agreed to extend the administrative leave of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer through April 22.

The league continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding an accusation by a San Diego woman last June who said she was sexually assaulted in Bauer’s Pasadena home.

The Pasadena Police Department launched an investigation while MLB placed Bauer on leave, then extended it multiple times throughout the season, including the playoffs.

Although, the LA County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Bauer, Major League Baseball could invoke its own discipline.

According to a charge evaluation worksheet prepared by the District Attorney’s Office, “After a thorough review of all the available evidence, including the civil restraining order proceedings, witness statements and the physical evidence, the People are unable to prove the relevant charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The 27-year-old woman contended that Bauer physically assaulted her — including punching her in the face and choking her into unconsciousness — during sexual encounters that occurred on April 21 and again on May 16 of last year. Bauer denied any wrongdoing, with his attorney and representatives saying the rough sexual encounters between the pair were consensual.

Bauer, 31, reiterated that contention in a YouTube video posted following the district attorney announcement.

“My version of events has not wavered because it is the truth,” Bauer said. “I also never materially misled the court as it was found that this woman did.”

The woman obtained a temporary restraining order against Bauer in June. But last August, following a four-day hearing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman denied the woman’s request for a five-year extension of the order, saying evidence shows Bauer never went beyond boundaries the accuser herself had set for the sexual encounters.

Bauer made just 17 starts last season and pitched 107 2/3 innings to begin a three-year, $102 million free-agent deal he signed in February 2021. He was 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA and received his full $35.3 million pay in 2021.

The Dodgers have yet to indicate their plans for Bauer if and when his MLB leave is lifted.

Bauer signed a three-year contract with the Dodgers in February 2020, worth $102 million, including $40 million this season, reported to be the highest single-season salary in baseball history. Bauer won the National League Cy Young Award the previous season while with the Cincinnati Reds.