Rays scrubbing Wander Franco’s likeness from Tropicana Field

Wander Franco gained’t be on the ballpark — in particular person or in likeness — anytime quickly.

The Rays started pulling the star shortstop’s likeness down round Tropicana Discipline as he’s currently on administrative leave from the crew amid an investigation into claims he had relationships with underage girls.

A banner exterior the stadium that includes the 22-year-old has been changed by one in all infielder Yandy Diaz, whereas an elevator wrap was swapped to one in all pitcher Pete Fairbanks, in accordance with the Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin.

Indicators that includes Franco from neighboring sports activities bar Ferg’s are additionally coming down, in accordance with Topkin.

Franco highlights have already been removed from commercials by the Rays and broadcaster Bally Sports activities.

He’s beneath investigation by Main League Baseball and authorities in his native Dominican Republic over social media posts that went viral on Aug. 13.

Franco has denied the allegations.

MLB positioned him on indefinite go away Tuesday in an settlement with the MLBPA.

“The executive go away, efficient instantly, isn’t disciplinary beneath the Joint Home Violence, Sexual Assault and Little one Abuse Coverage,” MLB mentioned within the assertion.

The Rays have mentioned they’re letting the method play out.

“We help Main League Baseball’s choice to position Wander Franco on Administration Depart,” the Rays mentioned in a press release. “The Tampa Bay Rays are devoted to upholding excessive requirements of integrity each on and off the sector. We respect the understanding and persistence of our followers and supporters as this course of unfolds.

“We can have no additional statements on this matter till MLB completes its course of.”

He has not performed since Aug. 12.

Z101 Digital’s Héctor Gómez reported {that a} supply advised him the Rays shortstop is “very unlikely” to play in Major League Baseball again.

Franco is within the second season of an 11-year, $188 million contract that runs by means of 2032.

Regardless of being on go away, he’ll proceed to gather his $2 million wage and accrue service time.