Dodgers’ Bauer must take stand in sexual assault case

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer must take the stand in his sexual assault case, a judge ruled Friday.

Bauer appeared in court to fight an extension of a protective order sought by a woman who says he choked her to the point where she lost consciousness and punched her during two sexual encounters earlier this year.

Attorneys for Bauer and for the woman revealed during a short court session that they intend to call several witnesses, including Bauer, and argue over the order in what amounts to a trial that is expected to last three days.

Judge Dianna Gould-saltman delayed the beginning of that hearing until Aug. 2 because Bauer’s attorney, Shawn Holley, said she was given the woman’s witness list late and had insufficient time to prepare.

Gould-saltman ruled that Bauer will need to take the stand and must decline to answer possibly incriminating questions one at a time as is standard in civil proceedings. She declined Holley’s request to let him avoid testifying altogether.

■ Nationals: Stephen Strasburg felt some discomfort in his neck after a recent bullpen session, and manager Dave Martinez said the club is trying to determine what’s next.

Also, infielder Starlin Castro’s administrative leave was extended an additional seven days Friday by Major League Baseball through Thursday under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

■ Mets: New York acquired lefthander Rich Hill from Tampa Bay for right-hander Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer.

■ Yankees: Pitchers Nestor Cortes and Jonathan Loaisiga have been reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list. To make room on the roster, right-hander Darren O’day (left hamstring) was transferred to the 60-day IL and right-hander Nick Nelson was optioned to Triple-a.