Starting pitcher Trevor Bauer will no longer be a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers two weeks after 2020 National League winner Cy Young was reinstated by an independent referee following the league’s announcement of a 324-game suspension in April 2022.
Bauer missed the 2022 MLB season after being suspended for sexual assault charges. In 2021 he held 17 positions before being placed on paid administrative leave.
The Dodgers had until the end of Friday to make a decision on Bauer.
“The Dodgers Organization believes that allegations of sexual assault or domestic violence should be thoroughly investigated, with due process being accorded to the accused,” the Dodgers said in a statement Friday.
DODGERS PITCHER TREVOR BAUER REHIRED AFTER MISSING ENTIRE 2022 SEASON DUE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT
Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws the first pitch of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 28, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
“From the beginning, we have cooperated fully with the Major League Baseball investigation and strictly followed the process outlined in MLB’s joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
“Two comprehensive reviews of all available evidence in this case – one by Commissioner Manfred and one by a neutral referee – concluded that Mr Bauer’s actions warranted the longest-ever active player ban in our sport for violations of this policy. Well, the process is complete and after careful consideration, we have decided that he will no longer be part of our organization.”
MLB’s suspension of Bauer was the longest non-life suspension of a player in the game’s history.
Bauer will be designated for the assignment, according to ESPN.
The league announced on Dec. 22 that Bauer would be eligible to play on the opening day of the 2023 season, although Bauer’s salary will be docked for the first 50 games.
“Today, the MLB and MLBPA selected neutral umpire confirmed that Trevor Bauer violated Major League Baseball’s joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse,” MLB said in a statement.
Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 28, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
“Following a comprehensive review of the available evidence, the neutral referee upheld a 194-game suspension without pay. As part of the decision, the umpire effectively reinstated Mr. Bauer immediately, with a loss of salary for the 144 games he was suspended during the 2022 season.
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“In addition, the referee docked Bauer’s salary for the first 50 games of the 2023 season (i.e. the period from March 30, 2023 to May 23, 2023). While we believe a longer suspension was warranted, MLB will abide by the neutral referee’s decision, which maintains baseball’s longest-ever active player ban for sexual assault or domestic violence.
Bauer was accused of sexual assault in 2021 by a San Diego woman he met through social media, an allegation Bauer denied and said the encounters were consensual.
Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers returns to the dugout after topping the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on June 28, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
“I deny in the strongest possible terms that I violated the League’s policies on domestic violence and sexual assault. I am appealing this lawsuit and expect to prevail,” Bauer said in a statement to Fox News Digital in April. “As we have done throughout this process, my representatives and I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.”
Bauer released a statement through his representatives on Friday evening.
“While we were unable to communicate throughout the administrative holiday and arbitration proceedings, my representatives spoke to Dodgers leadership immediately following the arbitration decision.
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“After two weeks of discussions about my return to the organization, I sat down with the Dodgers leadership in Arizona yesterday who told me they wanted me to come back this year and step up for the team.
“While I am disappointed with the organization’s decision today, I appreciate the tremendous support I have received from the Dodgers clubhouse. I wish the players all the best and look forward to competing elsewhere.”
Bauer has a career record of 83-69 with a 3.79 ERA and owes him $22.5 million for the 2023 season.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report
Joe Morgan is a sports reporter for Fox News.