Dodgers cancel Trevor Bauer bobblehead night, remove merchandise amid probe

July 8 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers canceled Trevor Bauer's bobblehead night Aug. 19 and removed his merchandise from their stores amid MLB's investigation into sexual assault claims made against the pitcher, the team announced.

A Dodgers spokesperson told the Orange County Register, ESPN and The Athletic on Wednesday that the team "did not feel it was appropriate" to continue with the bobblehead promotion and merchandise for Bauer "while investigations continue by MLB and the Pasadena Police Department."

Bauer has denied the allegations through statements released by his agents. MLB placed the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner on seven-day administrative leave last Friday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters earlier this week that he does not expect Bauer to return immediately when his leave period ends Friday.

Bauer did not appeal the MLB's decision. MLB can extend the leave with consent from the players union. The woman who accused Bauer of the assault filed for a temporary domestic violence restraining order against the pitcher last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The Pasadena Police Department told USA Today, the Los Angeles Times and ESPN that it started its investigation into the incident in May.

No criminal charges have been filed against Bauer. His representatives told ESPN that they plan to deny the allegations at a hearing scheduled July 23.

The Dodgers star led MLB in strikeouts and innings pitched when his paid leave started. Bauer, 30, joined the Dodgers in free agency last off-season. He is in the first season of a three-year, $102 million contract.