Rays Place Wander Franco On Adminstrative Leave As Investigations Continue
The 2024 Major League Baseball season gets fully underway on Thursday, but we know one guy who won't be taking the field: Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco.
Sure, this was to be expected as Franco continues to be at the center of investigations into claims that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor. However, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have come to the joint decision to place the 23-year-old on administrative leave until June 1.
Both sides appear to have given the situation as much time to unfold as they could, but their hand was forced by the Rays needing to solidify their 40-man roster for their season opener on Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.
This decision to place the All-Star on administrative leave isn't considered to be disciplinary and Franco will continue to get paid his $2 million salary.
Wander Franco will continue to get paid as investigations continue into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. (© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
If there are any updates to the investigations surrounding Wander Franco between now and June 1, he is eligible to return sooner.
According to Fox Sports, Franco has stayed in his native Dominican Republic as investigations in the Dominican Republic continue, and he did not report to the team for spring training.
The decision effectively allows the MLB and the MLBPA to reassess the situation in a couple of months and take into account any developments that may come out between then and now.
Franco has not appeared in a game since accusations against him started making the rounds on social media last August.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, Franco has not been charged with any crimes in the Dominican Republic (or the United States) but is required to check in with authorities every month. He will continue to have to do this through June 30, unless investigators wrap up their investigation before that.