Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer had his administrative leave extended for a third time by MLB, this time through August 6.
The controversial hurler, originally placed on administrative leave on July 2 after sexual assault allegations against him became public, is still under investigation by MLB and the Pasadena police for the alleged offense.
The Dodgers, who signed him prior to this season to a three-year, $102 million contract with several opt outs, are likely planning as if he won’t pitch again this season.
In fact, that is a growing possibility, as things currently stand.
There is no denying the resulting depth issues that Bauer’s absence represents to the Dodgers’ roster, especially in a year in which they lost starter Dustin May to Tommy John surgery.
However, in the long run, Los Angeles will be just fine without him.
Bauer already represented a distraction to the Dodgers due to his off-the-field baggage, but since he was pitching well, the Dodgers seemed to be fine with him on the team.
Teammates Don’t Want Anything To Do With Him
However, we are now talking about more serious issues that the team, understandably, don’t want anything to do with.
In fact, several reports have surfaced in recent days indicating that many Dodgers players, the majority of the roster to be more precise, don’t want him back with the team.
In this story Trevor Bauer is described as a pariah among teammates. Big question: Will he throw another pitch for the Dodgers? https://t.co/2eRcBY9ay8
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2021
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times talked more about the current sentiment in the Dodgers’ locker room:
“Bauer’s career is in jeopardy, and his stay with the Dodgers could be over, the sexual assault allegations having turned a pitcher in his prime into a pariah in his own clubhouse, where no teammate has spoken publicly about him or come to his defense. Two people with knowledge of Dodgers clubhouse dynamics, who are unauthorized to speak publicly about the situation, said that a majority of players do not want Bauer back under any circumstances.”
With the Dodgers in the midst of a playoff push, there is no room, time, or place for talking about Bauer.
The players have taken this mentality, and the team is moving forward without him.
The Dodgers have had a very good season: in fact, they have the second-best record in the National League, at 61-41.
The problem for Los Angeles is that the San Francisco Giants have somehow managed to be better at 63-37.
The Dodgers are firmly on the Wild Card mix, but they need to secure their place and if they can take the division, even better.
The Dodgers Still Have Some Depth
Without Bauer (and May, plus the currently rehabbing Clayton Kershaw) the overall pitching depth has suffered.
However, Los Angeles has several good starters: Julio Urias and Walker Buehler are having excellent seasons, and David Price and Tony Gonsolin are also very talented.
The team has also been relying in prospect Josiah Gray as they navigate the aforementioned absences.
And, of course, the Dodgers have the option of trading for a starter.
In fact, they are one of the teams linked with Washington Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer, who is increasingly likely to be traded in the upcoming hours.
Sources: Max Scherzer trade talks have continued to intensify, and those close to the conversations believe a deal could be reached by late tonight. The Giants, Dodgers, and Padres are among the top suitors, but other clubs are involved. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 28, 2021
All in all, the Dodgers should be fine without Bauer.
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