The Tampa Bay Rays may be without their All-Star shortstop, Wander Franco, for the remainder of the season.
This is due to the league’s decision to place him on leave while they investigate concerning allegations from his home country, the Dominican Republic.
Despite this setback, the Tampa Bay Rays have been performing exceptionally well in the 2023 season and are currently second in the American League.
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The team is on track to make it to the playoffs and is considered a strong contender for the World Series in October.
Last week, doubts arose about their chances when it was revealed that Franco had been placed on the restricted list by the team.
This was due to questionable social media interactions with an underage girl.
The decision to place Franco on leave was a mutual agreement between him and the team, following MLB’s decision to launch an investigation into the allegations.
On Tuesday, further developments occurred when it was reported that MLB had placed Franco on administrative leave while both the league and authorities in the Dominican Republic look into his alleged involvement with underage girls.
Wander Franco's administrative leave has now been made official by MLB and the MLBPA. Franco, according to the release, is on leave "until further notice." The league's release notes that admin leave is not disciplinary. Franco will continue to be paid and accrue service on it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 22, 2023
This leave is indefinite, but since it is not disciplinary in nature, Franco will still receive his pay and continue to accumulate service time.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Franco had an impressive season with the Rays. He earned his first All-Star selection and had a strong batting average, along with notable home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases.
In November 2021, Franco signed a groundbreaking 11-year, $182 million contract, which made him the youngest MLB player to secure a $100 million deal.
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