September 5th 2023.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is under investigation by a special prosecutor in the Dominican Republic following two complaints of inappropriate relationships with minors. According to ESPN, a second girl came forward with an allegation and authorities are also investigating a third.
The prosecutor's office for boys, girls and adolescents hopes to speak with Franco soon. The 22-year-old had a strong season, batting .281 with career-highs in home runs (17) and runs batted in (58). Major League Baseball (MLB) placed him on administrative leave on Aug. 22 pending investigation into the allegations.
Franco isn't expected to play again this season, as the MLB typically waits until criminal investigations have concluded before disciplining players. The investigation is expected to last through the end of the season, leaving the Rays to fill his spot with infielders Osleivis Basabe and Taylor Walls.
Franco's last game with the Rays was Aug. 12, one day before the MLB began investigating him and placed him on the restricted list from Aug. 13-21. The MLB Playoffs start Oct. 3 and the Atlanta Braves are the favorite to take home the World Series trophy. The Rays, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles, are expected to be their toughest competition.
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