Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave as he undergoes a criminal investigation. Here’s an update on the entire situation.
Wander Franco is on administrative leave. pic.twitter.com/tukFPgX2eP
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) August 22, 2023
The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop was placed on the restricted list on August 14th following a series of social media posts going viral. He did not travel with the team on last week’s West Coast Road trip. The team returns to Tampa Bay to play the Rockies beginning Tuesday night.
Administrative Leave, Explained
The Franco investigation has progressed this week, culminating in his placement on administrative leave. On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that a specialized unit in the Dominican Republic was handling the case where Franco is accused of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Franco has denied the allegations in an Instagram live video. MLB sent out the following statement:
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) August 22, 2023
Administrative leave is a step under the league’s formal Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, enacted in 2015. The company typically places players on administrative leave when allegations are made public before an investigation is completed. Since the policy is collectively bargained, any player can appeal the placement before an arbitration panel. Franco will accrue service time and pay while he is on leave. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich reported that Franco’s administrative leave has no end date, so it does not need to be continually renewed. According to MLB.com, the Rays said in 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 our fans’ and supporters’ understanding and patience as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process.”
The investigation is ongoing, and more details on this sensitive situation will unfold. Until then, the Rays will try to catch the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. They currently hold the first AL Wild Card spot.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
