LOS ANGELES — Trevor Bauer was suspended for two years by Major League Baseball on Friday, triggering a new front in Bauer's efforts to fight sexual assault allegations that could keep him off the field until well into the 2024 season.
The Dodgers pitcher can pursue an expedited appeal to the league's independent arbitrator. He cannot play during the appeal process.
Of the 16 players suspended under baseball's sexual assault and domestic violence policy, Bauer is the first not to agree to a negotiated settlement. He could argue that he does not warrant any suspension because he did nothing wrong, and that Commissioner Rob Manfred has suspended him for unconventional but consensual sex rather than for sexual assault.