May 11, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (5) looks out from the dugout before a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
TAMPA — MLB is finally giving an update on Rays SS Wander Franco.
The league announced on Thursday that Franco has been placed on administrative leave through June 1 amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged relationship with an underage girl.
Franco has not been with the Rays since August after the allegations of a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He has not been charged with a crime.
The 23-year-old finished the 2023 season on administrative leave after being placed on the list Aug. 22. He did not appear at any spring training games as well.
Franco has been staying in his native Dominican Republic, according to the Associated Press, where he is under investigation.
The Rays SS is required to make monthly court appearances as the investigation continues.
The Tampa Bay Times reported this administrative leave could be extended if there is no update in the investigation by the deadline – but MLB is “likely to wait” until after the investigation to levy any discipline.
Since he’s on the administrative list, Franco will continue to be paid.
He’s set to make $2 million this year, and is still owed approximately $175 million.
