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Trevor Bauer’s plan to wear ‘Free Joe Kelly’ cleats thwarted by MLB

Bauer wore the cleats before Wednesday’s game, but not during

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Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer planned to wear cleats with Joe Kelly’s face on one shoe and “FREE JOE KELLY” on the other during Wednesday’s game against Kansas City, in support of the suspended Dodgers pitcher, while also raising money charity.

Bauer planned to give away the cleats to a random person who bought a shirt from his website, with all the proceeds going to a charity of Kelly’s choice.

However, Bauer’s plan to wear the cleats during Wednesday’s game was halted by MLB. From Jeff Passan at ESPN:

MLB contacted the Reds and said the cleats are against the footwear regulations bargained by the league and the MLBPA, sources said. When a team official suggested Bauer intended to wear them, sources said, the league said that if umpires saw him sporting the shoes, he could be removed from the game.

Bauer did wear the cleats during warmups on the field before the game:

Cincinnati Reds v Kansas City Royals - Game Two Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Kelly was suspended for five games for throwing at Alex Bregman in Houston on July 28. He’s currently on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation and will serve the suspension once he is activated.

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