Latest extension of Trevor Bauer’s leave could create an issue for Rob Manfred
LA TimesRob Manfred could be on the clock. That could force Manfred to decide whether to suspend Bauer for alleged sexual assault before the Los Angeles County district attorney‘s office decides whether to charge him with a crime. Lou Shapiro, a veteran Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, said he believed the judge would consider delaying the hearing until the district attorney decides whether to charge Bauer. “They can’t just hold onto it forever.” Ritter said he does not believe the district attorney should need to assess next week’s hearing before deciding whether to file charges against Bauer. However, if that request is declined, and if the district attorney still has not decided whether to charge Bauer, Manfred would likely not be able to invoke a clause in the MLB domestic violence and sexual assault policy that authorizes him to levy paid suspensions of a player involved in a “criminal or legal proceeding.” At that point, Manfred could reinstate Bauer while the MLB investigation continues, deferring any discipline until its conclusion.