Editors’ note: This story contains graphic accounts of domestic violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault or domestic violence, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
An independent arbitrator has reduced Dodgers righthander Trevor Bauer’s 324-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy to 194 games, according to someone familiar with the decision. The ruling essentially gives Bauer credit for time served—he has not pitched since June 2021 while on administrative leave and then suspended—and reinstates him immediately. The suspension remains the longest for domestic violence in league history. (The previous record was a one-season ban of free-agent pitcher Sam Dyson in March ’21.) Martin F. Scheinman, an attorney who has served as the league and union’s neutral arbitrator since ’21, also docked Bauer’s pay for the first 50 games of the ’23 season.
After the decision was made Thursday, the league issued a statement that read, in part, “While we believe a longer suspension was warranted, MLB will abide by the neutral arbitrator’s decision, which upholds baseball’s longest-ever active player suspension for sexual assault or domestic violence. We understand this process was difficult for the witnesses involved and we thank them for their participation. Due to the collectively bargained confidentiality provisions of the joint program, we are unable to provide further details at this time.” In a statement, Bauer’s representatives said, “While we are pleased that Mr. Bauer has been reinstated immediately, we disagree that any discipline should have been imposed. That said, Mr. Bauer looks forward to his return to the field, where his goal remains to help his team win a World Series.” The Dodgers, in a statement posted on Twitter, said, “We have just been informed of the arbitrator’s ruling and will comment as soon as practical.” A representative for the players association declined to comment. Los Angeles, which signed Bauer to a three-year, $102 million deal before the 2021 season, owed him $32 million in ’23 before his pay was docked; that figure will now be closer to $22 million. The team has 14 days to activate him or release him.
