Despite release, Trevor Bauer says Dodgers wanted him to return
Less than 24 hours after Major League Baseball reinstated pitcher Trevor Bauer, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially cut ties with the former Cy Young winner, designating him for assignment on Friday.
While the move by the Dodgers to part ways with Bauer comes as no surprise, the 31-year-old is telling a different story. In a statement released via his Twitter account, Bauer says that the Dodgers told him during a meeting with team leadership Thursday in Arizona that they wanted him back for the 2023 season.
Bauer said he had "two weeks of conversations" with the Dodgers surrounding a possible return before Thursday's meeting.
"While I am disappointed by the organization's decision today, I appreciate the wealth of support I've received from the Dodgers clubhouse," Bauer wrote. "I wish the players all the best and look forward to competing elsewhere."
In June 2021, a San Diego woman came forward with allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Bauer was placed on administrative leave by MLB in July. Charges against Bauer never came, and a permanent restraining order requested by the woman was denied later that year.
Even without criminal charges, MLB handed Bauer a two-year suspension, without pay, for violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy following an "extensive investigation."
Having designated Bauer for assignment, the Dodgers have a week to trade the former ace, or he'll hit the waiver wire. Destined to hit the free-agent market, the only question left to answer is whether an MLB team will be desperate enough to sign the maligned starter.
Bauer finished 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts for the Dodgers in 2021. A one-time All-Star, Bauer has a career record of 83-69 with a 3.79 ERA over 10 seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and Dodgers.
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