Dodgers right-handed pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended by Major League Baseball in 2022, after spending the second half of the 2021 season on administrative leave. The right-hander was suspended for violating the Major League Baseball Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, after a woman in California accused Bauer of assault. The 31-year-old was suspended for two seasons, but Bauer did appeal the move by MLB. Now, a decision is in.
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Is Trevor Bauer eligible to pitch in 2023?
Yes, Trevor Bauer is eligible to pitch in the Majors for the first time since 2021. An arbiter ruled in December 2022 that Bauer’s 324 game suspension would be reduced to 194 games on appeal. Since Bauer has already served 194 games, this ruling rendered that Bauer would be reinstated immediately. However, Bauer will be docked pay for the first 50 games of the 2023 regular season.
While Bauer is eligible to pitch in the Majors come next season, that doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a spot on any team. As of now, Bauer is set to return as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. LA, though, will have until January 6 to decide whether to keep, or release the right-hander.
It was reported back in 2021 that some on the Dodgers wanted Bauer off the team during his suspension. While it possible that this sentiment has changed, some within the Dodgers and the team’s front office could have reservations to bring the 31-year-old back to Los Angeles. Should Bauer be released by the Dodgers, it will be up to the remaining 29 teams to decide on whether to sign the right-hander.
Prior to Bauer’s suspension, the righty struck out 159 over 107.2 innings with LA in 2021. Bauer was in the midst of his first season with the Dodgers, after signing a massive three-year deal would have paid the righty over $30 million per year. The 31-year-old’s last full season came in 2020, a campaign that saw Bauer dominate hitters en route to his first NL Cy Young award. Bauer struck out 100 over 73.2 innings, and recorded a 1.73 ERA for the Reds.