Franco had been out of the Rays’ lineup since Aug. 12. “We support Major League Baseball’s decision to place Wander Franco on Administration Leave,” the Rays said in a statement after MLB ...

Wander Franco, the suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop charged in a sexual abuse case, was found guilty but received a suspended sentence.

Wander Franco was accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time and of transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.

Rays Shortstop Placed on Administrative Leave by M.L.B. In an agreement between the league and the players’ union, Wander Franco will be out “until further notice” as an investigation continues.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, who faces an accusation of molesting an underage girl, arrives in court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Jan. 5, 2024. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) ...

Wander Franco did not show up for his 11 a.m. questioning Thursday after being summoned following allegations of inappropriate relations with underage girls, according to ESPN.

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco, 24, stands trial in Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse of a minor and human trafficking, facing up to 30 years if convicted.

Franco’s father, also named Wander Franco, exclaimed, “God is just.” The 22-year-old All-Star is accused of commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Franco’s mother, Nancy, has two major league brothers: not just Willy Aybar but also Erick, who played 12 seasons in M.L.B. Franco’s father, also named Wander, played professionally but did ...