AP Photograph/Chris O’Meara
Whereas MLB’s investigation into Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s alleged relationship with a minor stays ongoing, there are already indications that his taking part in profession is in jeopardy.
A supply conversant in the state of affairs informed MLB insider Héctor Gómez, “It will likely be not possible that Wander Franco will play in MLB once more, judging by the outcomes of the investigations which might be at present being carried out, which immediately commit him to the accusations towards him.”
TMZ reported that “social media posts emerged over the weekend that allegedly confirmed [Franco] in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.” The Rays placed him on the restricted record Monday, and he hasn’t appeared in a sport since Saturday.
Along with the MLB investigation, ESPN reported Wednesday {that a} prosecutor within the Dominican Republic mentioned Franco is the topic of an investigation performed by the Nationwide Company for Boys, Ladies, Adolescents and Household and Gender Violence Unit, which is a division specializing in minors and gender violence within the province of Peravia.
“This can be a very delicate subject as a result of there’s a minor concerned. We’re working collectively [with Judge Olga Diná Llaverías],” prosecutor Ángel Darío Tejeda Fabal informed the Associated Press.
Llaverías is a specialist in baby abuse circumstances. Fabal added that the investigation is within the early phases and they’re nonetheless within the strategy of gathering proof.
“Subsequent week, we would have the ability to give a few of the vital data with out hurting the investigation,” he mentioned.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. The 22-year-old is hitting .281/.344/.457 with 17 house runs and 58 RBI this season.
