Major League Baseball placed Trevor Bauer, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, on a seven day administrative leave Friday in response to allegations of sexual assault.Bauer, who was scheduled to pitch Sunday in Washington, D.C., denied the allegations and said that he would not appeal MLB's decision.Let's wait to see what the next step in this case is. Let's look at Friday's news and find out what it means.What is Trevor Bauer charged with?Two women had sex with Bauer and received a restraining orders against him at L.A. County Superior Court. She claimed that Bauer attacked her by repeatedly choking her, punching her in the face and grabbing her head. According to the declaration, her second encounter occurred at Bauer's Pasadena home on May 16. She suffered an acute head injury as well as significant head and facial trauma.Trevor Bauer being investigated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Trevor Bauer has been accused of sexual assault. What we knowThe judge granted the restraining order and it doesn't require input by either party. Bauer's side will likely deny the allegations at a court hearing scheduled for July 23. Jon Fetterolf (one of Bauer's lawyers) issued a statement stating that their sexual encounters were "wholly conscientious" and adding that "her basis to file a protection order was nonexistent, fraudulent, and deliberately omits key facts and information as well as her own relevant communication." Bauer's side also sent text messages showing the woman engaging in rough sex and discussing how she wants Bauer "gimme all of the pain" and "choke her out" eight days prior to the second encounter.What does MLB putting Bauer on administrative leave signify?Bauer will not make his next scheduled start Sunday. This would have been in Washington, D.C., which is the nation's capital, for the Fourth of July.This would have been a terrible look for a league which has pledged to make domestic violence enforcement a priority. It comes in a year in which MLB has been in turmoil with Jared Porter, former New York Mets general manger, and Mickey Callaway, former Los Angeles Angels pitchers coach, both being fired after sexual harassment investigations.Administrative leave is not a way to get more time. This is not considered to be a suspension. Bauer will continue to be paid and accrue time while on the restricted roster. MLB can, under its August 2015 joint domestic violence sexual assault and child abuse policy, place a player on unpaid leave. MLB stated that it is continuing its investigation into Bauer's case.Co-agents for Bauer, Rachel Luba and Fetterolf, stated in a statement that they "refute [the women's] allegations[in the strongest possible terms], but will not appeal Bauer being placed on administrative leave in an effort to minimize any distractions to the Dodgers organization"What happens if he is not resolved within seven days?MLB may request an extension for its administrative leave for seven additional days by consenting to the MLB Players Association. According to the joint domestic violence policy, consent cannot be withheld without reason. This could be relevant. Bauer would be able to stay on the field during the All-Star break if the administrative leave was extended. This would allow for more time for the ongoing investigation. However, it is expected that this may take some time, potentially putting MLB in a situation where Bauer will need to return to the active roster while the investigation continues. This could be delayed by the administrative leave. The commissioner's office can request an extension to this leave time to allow for the investigation to conclude. However, the MLBPA must also agree to it.Bauer traveled with the Dodgers to Washington, and Dave Roberts, his manager, said that Bauer would pitch Sunday. What has changed?The MLB took the decision from the Dodgers. Roberts made reference to this before Thursday's series opener. He said that MLB had decided Bauer would take his regular rotation turn. Roberts was asked why he didn't just skip Bauer's start, considering he is the team manager. Roberts replied: "I'm in a position to follow the lead of Major League Baseball. They recommended that we use the Sunday starter, and move on to having him start Sunday's game. It was impossible for me to understand the situation beyond what they advised us. I chose to follow their lead.What is the status of the legal investigation?The investigation is being continued by the Pasadena Police Department. Two days after the second encounter, two detectives went to the house of the woman in San Diego to obtain a statement. This was May 18. According to a source, the case will be sent to Pasadena District Attorney's Office. However, the timing of the transfer is not known.What has MLB done to deal with other domestic violence cases in the season?In the six years since domestic violence policy was implemented, 13 players have been disciplined. Suspensions range from 15 games (Steven Wright, Boston Red Sox, and Jeurys Familia, Mets), to 162 games for Sam Dyson (free agent), who is currently serving his suspension. Notable names include the Dodgers' starter Julio Urias (2020), Yankees closer Aroldischapman (30 games in 2016), Addison Russell, a former Chicago Cubs shortstop (40 games in 2018), Roberto Osuna, a former Toronto Blue Jays closer (75 games 2018), and Jose Reyes, a former Colorado Rockies shortstop (51 games 2016).
