Rays' Wander Franco placed on administrative leave as MLB probes alleged relationships with minors

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Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave as Major League Baseball investigates the shortstop’s alleged relationship with underage girls.

"Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Wander Franco has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation," the league said Tuesday. "The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time."

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Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays during the Cleveland Guardians game at Tropicana Field on Aug. 12, 2023, in St Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Franco’s stay on the restricted list was set to end before the Rays took on the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. He was placed on the restricted list on Aug. 14 while MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. In between that time, a second allegation surfaced against the shortstop as well.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was placed on administrative leave from July 2, 2021, until the following April 29, when he was suspended for 324 games. The penalty was reduced by an arbitrator to 194 games. Bauer was accused of assault – which he denied and was never charged with.

Ángel Darío Tejeda Fabal, a prosecutor in the Dominican Republic, said an investigation into Franco was open under a division specializing in minors and gender violence.

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