The shortstop from the Dominican Republic, Wander Franco was placed back on the Tampa Bay Rays’ 40-man roster at the start of Major League free agency.
Although it should be noted that his status to return to play in the Major Leagues with the Rays remains uncertain and unchanged, after there have been no updates on the investigations or published deadlines for their conclusion.
The Rays, already facing a personnel shortage, will have to use a roster spot for the Dominican during the offseason.. And his potential replacement at shortstop, Taylor Walls, underwent surgery and likely won’t be ready for Opening Day next year.
Franco remains under investigation by Major League Baseball following allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, with the possibility of a suspension under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
In addition, the authorities of his native Dominican Republic are investigating him for at least two complaints, under the auspices of the National Agency for Children and Adolescents and the Family and Gender Violence Unit.
A league official confirmed that the investigation into Franco is still ongoing and that the change in status was strictly a procedural move as administrative leave is not in effect during the offseason.
Franco awaits the verdict of the majors / Getty Images: Steph ChambersCredit: Steph Chambers | Getty Images
Administrative leave is maintained for Wander Franco
Franco was on indefinite administrative leave while Major League Baseball He approaches his case carefully, however, this status only lasts for one season, so the Rays had to return him to the 40-man roster pending the major leagues’ verdict.
This move is purely bureaucratic and does not mean that he will return to action with the Rays in the 2024 season. Tampa is already searching the market for a shortstop to replace him on the roster, knowing that the Dominican may never return to the big tent
After the first accusation received on July 17, another girl alleged before the prosecutor’s office specializing in children and adolescents in her country that she had a relationship with Franco when she was a minor. She was previously removed from the Rays after some publications on social networks in which he was seen with a minor named Loredana Chevalier, 14 years old.
Franco could even lose more than $176 million from his contract with the Rays..
Keep reading:
The door is also closed for Wander Franco to play in the Dominican Republic
Another complaint: In the Dominican Republic they investigate a new complaint against Wander Franco
Problems increase for Wander Franco: MLB places the Dominican player on administrative leave
2023-11-03 20:48:35
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