The MLB on Friday announced that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has been suspended for two seasons, without pay, for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. A San Diego woman had alleged that the 31-year-old had sexually abused her last year. She later sought — but was denied — a restraining order against him. Los Angeles prosecutors said in February there was insufficient evidence to prove the woman’s accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Bauer is appealing the suspension.

“Today, we were informed that MLB has concluded its investigation into allegations that have been made against Trevor Bauer, and the Commissioner has issued his decision regarding discipline. The Dodgers organization takes all allegations of this nature very seriously and does not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence or sexual assault,” the Dodgers said, after the suspension was announced. 

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The woman, whom Opoyi has chosen not to name, claimed that the player choked her unconscious on multiple occasions and repeatedly scratched and punched her throughout her body. Bauer has also been accused of leaving her with injuries. She said that the pitcher assaulted her over the course of two sexual encounters at his Pasadena, California, home in April and May.

Bauer, who was placed on administrative leave initially, has insisted that the acts were consensual. 

“In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence & sexual assault policy,” he wrote on Twitter.

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“I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives & I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.”

Trevor Bauer joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2021. He was on a short-term contract that would pay him up to $85 million over the course of two seasons. He has not pitched after June in the first year.