MLB places Rays’ Wander Franco on administrative leave
Main League Baseball has positioned Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco on indefinite paid administrative go away because it continues an investigation into allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage woman.
“The executive go away, efficient instantly, just isn’t disciplinary beneath the Joint Home Violence, Sexual Assault and Youngster Abuse Coverage. We’ll remark additional on the acceptable time,” MLB stated in a press release issued Tuesday morning.
MLB can impose administrative go away with out Franco or the union’s approval for seven days, however it will then need to show affordable trigger to increase that interval – because it did within the case of former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer. (Bauer was accused of assaulting a lady in 2021, and was ultimately suspended for 194 video games.)
“We assist Main League Baseball’s resolution to put Wander Franco on administration go away,” the Rays stated in a press release issued Tuesday.
“The Tampa Bay Rays are devoted to upholding excessive requirements of integrity each on and off the sphere. We recognize the understanding and endurance of our followers and supporters as this course of unfolds.”
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The Rays placed their young star on the restricted list for its just lately accomplished weeklong street journey – which Franco agreed to and MLB accepted. Nevertheless, stints on the restricted checklist are restricted to one-week increments and have to be renewed every time a staff desires to increase it.
Franco, a 2023 American League All-Star, was having his finest season as a significant leaguer, hitting .281 with 17 dwelling runs and 30 stolen bases, when the allegations surfaced in a series of social media posts.
Nevertheless, he was suspended two video games earlier this season by the Rays for emotional outbursts and “not being the most effective teammate,” Rays supervisor Kevin Money stated. He additionally was concerned in a scuffle with teammate Randy Arozarena.
Franco, 22, is at present being investigated by authorities within the Dominican Republic for doable crimes involving a minimum of two minors after a 17-year-old woman filed a grievance in opposition to Franco, in keeping with the Dominican newspaper Diario Libre. Franco denied the allegations on his Instagram account final Sunday however has but to talk publicly or make a press release.
Within the second 12 months of an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays, Franco won’t be paid so long as he is on administrative go away.
