On Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that ace and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer won't return to the rotation ahead of next week's All-Star break even though Bauer's paid administrative leave expires Friday as he faces disturbing allegations of sexual assault.
According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, the Dodgers have also canceled Bauer's bobblehead promotion scheduled for Aug. 19 when Los Angeles hosts the New York Mets. Ironically, Bauer nearly signed with the Mets in free agency this past winter.
Additionally, the Dodgers have removed all Bauer-related merchandise from the team and online store. Via portions of a statement shared by Gonzalez, the Dodgers explained they "did not feel it was appropriate" to have the bobblehead night or sell Bauer gear "while investigations continue by Major League Baseball and the Pasadena Police Department."
The 30-year-old right-hander remains under investigation by the Pasadena Police Department and MLB, and his status for the second half of the season is unclear.
Bauer has denied any wrongdoing via a statement released by his attorney, which stated the sexual encounters he had with the woman who made the allegations against him were "wholly consensual." His administrative leave could be extended by MLB but only with cooperation from the MLB Players Association.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!