MLB pitcher Trevor Bauer, still a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, appeared at the players’ training camp in Mesa, Arizona, on Tuesday.
It was his first public appearance in quite some time, after his tumultuous 2021.
However, he declined to talk to the media present in Arizona, and did it in typical Bauer fashion.
Trevor Bauer said he considered taking to reporters but changed his mind saying, ‘None of you have my best interest at heart.’
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 8, 2022
Last year, sexual assault allegations caused him to be placed on administrative leave amid investigations of his case.
The Los Angeles County district attorney did not charge him with any crimes, though.
The DA said that “after a thorough review of the available evidence, including the civil restraining order proceedings, witness statements and the physical evidence, the People are unable to prove the relevant charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”
What Does Future Have In Store For Bauer?
Will the Dodgers welcome him back in 2022?
Theoretically, his right arm, one that earned him the National League Cy Young award in 2020 when he was a member of the Cincinnati Reds, would fit in nicely in the Dodgers’ depleted rotation.
In reality, though, the Dodgers know he would be a media and PR nightmare, and it’s not a given he plays for them.
Releasing him is a difficult decision to make, though, as he will make over $30 million in both 2022 and 2023.
He is still, however, eligible for a potential suspension by the league, as the league’s domestic violence policy states that there doesn’t have to be a conviction for the league to apply discipline.
Why is Bauer on the players’ camp?
Will he get ready to play?
Will he be able to step on a major league mound in 2022?
Those are all burning questions with no clear answers at the moment.
For now, he recently said he will be pitching for the Dodgers in 2022, but that remains to be seen.
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