Authorities in the Dominican Republic are currently conducting an investigation into Tampa Bay Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco for his alleged involvement with a minor, according to a statement released by the attorney general’s office in his home country. As a result, the Rays have placed the 22-year-old on the restricted list, which means Franco will be sidelined for at least six games while Major League Baseball (MLB) investigates social media posts relating to the player.
When asked about Franco’s alleged relationship with the minor, the attorney general’s media office in the Dominican Republic confirmed that investigations are ongoing. It remains unclear whether Franco has sought legal representation to speak on his behalf in this matter.
While the nature of the social media posts has not been disclosed by the Rays, the team announced that they and Franco mutually agreed that he would be placed on the restricted list. Despite his absence from the field, Franco will continue to receive payment during this period.
MLB has initiated its own investigation into the matter, as reported by ESPN. Franco did not participate in the recent home series finale against the Cleveland team at Tropicana Field and will not accompany the Rays on their upcoming road trip to San Francisco, which consists of six games.
“The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the club for the duration of the current road trip,” stated the team concisely.
The road trip will conclude on Sunday following three games against the San Francisco Giants and three against the Los Angeles Angels. The Rays will then return home to face the Colorado team on August 22.
In response to the MLB investigation, the club expressed support for any steps taken by the league to gain a better understanding of the situation. For now, they have no further comments to provide out of respect for all parties involved.
Rays President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander later addressed the media but limited his discussion to baseball-related decisions. He stated, “Our comments on Wander are going to stand for what we have to say.”
This season, Franco has been performing impressively, with a batting average of .281, 17 home runs, and 58 RBIs. Prior to sitting out Sunday’s game, he had played in 40 consecutive matches, hitting .411 (23 for 56) and achieving six home runs and 11 RBIs in his last 11 games.
During Sunday’s game, 22-year-old Osleivis Basabe, one of Tampa Bay’s promising prospects, made his major league debut as the starting shortstop. Basabe retained his position in the lineup for Monday’s series opener against the San Francisco team.
Franco, who had been on a seven-game hitting streak, boasting an impressive .517 batting average, three homers, and seven RBIs, spent some time on the Rays’ dugout bench during Sunday’s game. He left the game in the fifth inning and did not return to the clubhouse after the team suffered a 9-2 loss to the Guardians.
The following day, manager Kevin Cash refrained from discussing the situation specifically but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to stay focused on the game. He emphasized the energy brought by the young players and the positive contribution of the seasoned veterans throughout the season.
When asked whether there were any issues surrounding Franco’s absence from the game other than it being a regular day off, Cash simply replied, “No.” He acknowledged the speculation but declined to provide further commentary, emphasizing that the day off was planned.
Franco had previously been benched for two games in late June due to his unsatisfactory response to frustrating situations and not consistently demonstrating good teamwork, as described by Cash at the time.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the budget-conscious Rays signed Franco to a long-term contract worth $182 million over 11 years in November 2021, with a team option for 2033 that could potentially reach a value of $223 million.
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