Dodgers: MLB makes right call placing Trevor Bauer on administrative leave

Just hours after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that the possibility of skipping over Trevor Bauer’s Sunday start against the Washington Nationals was “out of his hands,” Major League Baseball placed the right-hander on seven-day administrative leave.

It’s the right call, whether you agree or not.

Bauer is currently being investigated by the Pasadena Police department for some horrific sexual assault allegations. The alleged victim was granted a temporary restraining order by a court in Los Angeles and has since filed for a domestic violence restraining order.

For everyone out there yelling, “Innocent until proven guilty!” or “Let due process take its course,” nobody is refuting those aspects of the law. But the optics of letting Bauer pitch for the defending World Series champions as the investigation ensues and while everyone is aware of what he’s been accused of are horrible and unprofessional, to say the least. He’s a suspect in a criminal case.

Dodgers’ Trevor Bauer has been placed on administrative leave.

Major League Baseball released a statement shortly after:

"“MLB’s investigation into the allegations made against Trevor Bauer is ongoing. While no determination in the case has been made, we have made the decision to place Mr. Bauer on seven-day administrative leave effective immediately. MLB continues to collect information in our ongoing investigation concurrent with the Pasadena Police Department’s active criminal investigation. We will comment further at the appropriate time.”"

What was baffling about Roberts’ comments in regard to the situation being out of the Dodgers’ hands was the fact that he opted to bench Cody Bellinger back in 2018 for seemingly not hustling around the bases. Other players have been suspended and benched for much less. The situation was very much in the Dodgers’ hands to make a decision. That much isn’t up for debate.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are calling up reliever Brusdar Graterol to take Bauer’s spot on the active roster.

As for the decision on Bauer, there was a lot of pressure on MLB from the media to make a statement. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal urged on Friday morning that the Dodgers shouldn’t let Bauer make his scheduled Sunday start. A myriad of female reporters echoed the same sentiment. Sexual assault victims rightfully expressed their outrage.

Whether Bauer is determined to be innocent or not, it sends the wrong message if he’s toeing the rubber on television. Baseball is just a game. Bauer’s job doesn’t make or interrupt the everyday functions of society.

The decision is bigger than the sport. As the legal process plays out, Bauer should not be in any sort of spotlight, nor should anyone accused of such heinous actions. The next obstacle for MLB and the Dodgers, however, will be determining what to do with Bauer moving forward because the investigation is expected to take weeks.

For now, Bauer won’t be seen until next weekend at the earliest.

Dodgers and MLB must take action now on Trevor Bauer

Los Angeles Dodgers righty Trevor Bauer remains more trouble than he's worth. This has very little to do with his recent allegations.