Wander Franco placed on administrative leave

ST. PETERSBURG -- Wander Franco will not rejoin the Tampa Bay Rays when they return to Tropicana Field on Tuesday night after the All-Star shortstop was placed on administrative leave until further notice through an agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association on Tuesday morning.

The Rays and Franco mutually agreed to his placement on the restricted list on Aug. 14, which extended through Monday. MLB and, according to published reports, authorities in his native Dominican Republic have begun investigating social media posts claiming that the 22-year-old had been in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Major League Baseball issued the following statement on Tuesday: “Per an agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, Wander Franco has been placed on Administrative Leave until further notice as MLB continues its ongoing investigation. The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time.”

Shortly after MLB’s announcement, the Rays released a statement: “We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on administrative leave. The Tampa Bay Rays are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process.”

Placement on administrative leave is not considered punitive. Under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy collectively bargained by MLB and the MLBPA, players on administrative leave continue to receive their salary and Major League service time. The club continued to pay Franco his $2 million salary while he was on the restricted list the past week, part of the 11-year, $182 million guaranteed extension he signed following the 2021 season.

Franco, who last played on Aug. 12, denied the allegations in an Instagram Live video recorded in the Rays’ clubhouse before their Aug. 13 game at Tropicana Field. He has not issued a statement or spoken publicly since then, and he did not travel with the team last week. He has reportedly hired an attorney in the United States and retained legal counsel in the Dominican Republic.

After announcing Franco’s placement on the restricted list, the Rays issued a statement, saying, “We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation. Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”

The Rays are set to begin a six-game homestand against the Rockies on Tuesday night.