According to a report in the Tampa Bay Times by Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Rays troubled shortstop Wander Franco was taken off the Rays’ 40-man roster Thursday and placed on administrative leave through June 1.
Franco, who is facing charges related to an alleged relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic, has been away from the team since mid-August. Though he has not been formally charged, he remains under investigation in his home country and is required to make monthly check-ins with court officials through June 30 unless his case is resolved earlier.
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The decision was made by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association and is a matter of paperwork. It also answers the question of whether Franco would be placed on administrative leave or the restricted list. If there are significant changes to his legal circumstances, his administrative leave stay could end early or the parties will reconvene to determine the next steps. That could mean extending his time on administrative leave, among other options. If convicted, Franco could face up to five years in prison.
News: Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave through June 1 per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, a source tells ESPN. Franco’s status could change before then depending on proceedings in the criminal case in the Dominican Republic.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 28, 2024
Being placed on administrative leave is a non-disciplinary action that is being used because accusations were made public against him before MLB completed its investigation under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Franco was originally placed on administrative leave on Aug. 22 and remained there for the duration of the 2023 season. He was reinstated to the 40-man roster in November, after MLB informed the Rays administrative leave is not in effect during the offseason.
A previous report speculated that Franco would be removed from the Opening Day 26-man roster; this news confirms it. The official roster was due Thursday by noon ET in advance of the Rays’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays at 4:10 p.m. Once the move is processed, the Rays will most likely announce the trade acquisition of Niko Goodrum from the Minnesota Twins, who will then take Franco’s spot on the roster.
Rays have made the following moves to finalize the 2024 Opening Day Roster:
SS Wander Franco placed on administrative leave
OF Josh Lowe placed on the 10-Day IL (retro to 3/25)
INF Niko Goodrum selected to the Major League roster and optioned to Triple-A
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) March 28, 2024
The 23-year-old’s playing status will remain uncertain for a while. There isn’t a defined timeline for Dominican law enforcement to conclude its investigation. Only once it concludes will MLB discipline Franco, up to and including possible suspension.
The Rays still owe Franco $174 million of the 11-year, $182 million contract he signed in Nov. 2021. He is expected to be paid while on administrative leave.
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