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Trevor Bauer Clears Collision, Accuses MLB of Blackballing

5/22/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Pitcher Trevor Bauer was not at fault in a Phoenix-area collision that damaged both cars.
While in Arizona for back-spasm treatment, he walked away unharmed and remains on the Long Island Ducks’ injured list.
Bauer maintains a 4-1 record with a 2.43 ERA and threw a seven-inning no-hitter this season.
He says MLB has blackballed him after offering to play for zero salary, claiming his performance no longer matters.

History

Historical Context

The National League’s reserve clause, adopted in 1879, locked players to one team and was upheld by the Supreme Court in the 5-3 1972 Flood v. Kuhn decision. Curt Flood’s loss spurred the 1975 Seitz arbitration that created free agency, later cemented by the 1998 Curt Flood Act. Trevor Bauer’s blackballing claim echoes that historic fight against MLB’s contract control.

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Story summary

Pitcher Trevor Bauer was not at fault in a Phoenix-area collision that damaged both cars.
While in Arizona for back-spasm treatment, he walked away unharmed and remains on the Long Island Ducks’ injured list.
Bauer maintains a 4-1 record with a 2.43 ERA and threw a seven-inning no-hitter this season.
He says MLB has blackballed him after offering to play for zero salary, claiming his performance no longer matters.

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