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Jeff Passan, ESPN
Major League Baseball has initiated an inquiry into the alleged relationship between Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco and a younger woman, resulting in his placement on the restricted list, according to sources familiar with the matter. The investigation was prompted by social media posts that raised concerns about the nature of their association.
Franco, who is 22 years old, did not accompany the Rays to San Francisco for their three-game series against the Giants. The restricted list allows teams to exclude players from their roster for various reasons, including potential legal issues.
Despite being on the restricted list, the Rays have chosen to continue paying Franco his $2 million salary, as confirmed by sources.
In a joint decision, the Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have agreed that he will be placed on the Restricted List and take leave from the club for the duration of the current road trip,” stated the team.
The league’s department of investigations is conducting an inquiry into multiple social media posts regarding Franco’s alleged relationship with the woman in the Dominican Republic, his country of origin.
The media office of the attorney general in the Dominican Republic released a statement to The Associated Press acknowledging that investigations are ongoing regarding the matter in question.
Franco did not participate in Sunday’s game, as planned by Rays manager Kevin Cash, and left the dugout during the fifth inning. He did not address the media after the game.
When asked about the situation, Cash declined to provide specific details but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to stay focused on baseball.
In November 2021, Franco and the Rays agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension after just 70 games into his career. Franco has been one of MLB’s most productive players this season, with a batting average of .281, an on-base percentage of .344, and a slugging percentage of .475. He has also hit 17 home runs, driven in 58 runs, and stolen 30 bases. Additionally, he made his first All-Star team.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
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