Rays’ Wander Franco Placed On Administrative Leave Through June 1 As Sexual Abuse Probe Continues

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.: Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop Wander Franco was positioned on administrative depart by means of June 1 underneath an settlement between Major League Baseball and the gamers’ affiliation whereas the investigation continues into an alleged relationship with a minor.

Administrative depart isn’t disciplinary underneath the game’s joint home violence, sexual assault and baby abuse coverage, and a participant continues to be paid. Franco, who has a $2 million wage this yr, has remained in his native Dominican Republic whereas authorities there examine and he didn’t report back to spring coaching.

The Rays opened the season Thursday towards Toronto, forcing MLB and the union to decide on Franco’s roster standing.

“I don’t have any comment. … I’m really focused on the guys that are here,” supervisor Kevin Cash mentioned earlier than Thursday’s recreation at Tropicana Field.

Franco has not performed since Aug. 12. He was positioned on the restricted record for every week on Aug. 14 whereas MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. The Associated Press has not been in a position to confirm the reported posts.

Franco was moved to administrative depart on Aug. 22 and remained there by means of the top of the season. There is not any depart in the course of the offseason.

MLB is more likely to wait till the Dominican investigation is concluded earlier than deciding whether or not there can be any self-discipline.

Originally accused of business and sexual exploitation and cash laundering — prices that carry as much as 30 years, 10 years and 20 years of jail, respectively — Franco stands accused as a substitute of sexual and psychological abuse, in accordance with a decide’s decision that the AP obtained in January.

Franco had not been formally accused, but when discovered responsible on the brand new cost, he may face two to 5 years in jail.

Franco, who turned 23 on March 1, was within the midst of his third main league season when his profession was halted and was hitting .281 with 17 homers, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 40 makes an attempt over 112 video games.

Franco agreed to a $182 million, 11-year contract in November 2021.

He earned $706,761 final yr along with his wage as a part of MLB’s pre-arbitration bonus pool, a fund agreed to by the league and gamers’ affiliation as a part of their 2022 labor contract. The bonus pool was created to reward younger gamers, most who earn at or simply above the minimal main league wage primarily based on how lengthy they’ve been within the massive leagues.

The Rays obtained infielder Jose Caballero from Seattle in a commerce this offseason and are giving him a chance to be the common shortstop . The 27-year-old performed 104 video games for the Mariners in 2023, hitting .221 with 4 homers and 26 RBIs. He was in Tampa Bay’s opening day lineup, batting eighth.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)