Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave through June 1 under an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association while the investigation continues in an alleged relationship with a minor.
Administrative leave is not disciplinary under the sport’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, and a player continues to be paid. Franco, who has a $2 million salary this year, has remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities there investigate and did not report to spring training.
The Rays open the season Thursday against Toronto, forcing MLB and the union to make a decision on Franco’s roster status.
Franco has not played since Aug. 12. He was placed on the restricted list for a week on Aug. 14 while MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. The AP has not been able to verify the reported posts.
Franco was moved to administrative leave on Aug. 22 and remained there through the end of the season. There is no leave during the offseason.
MLB is likely to wait until the Dominican investigation is concluded before deciding whether there will be any discipline.
