NEW YORK – Wander Franco’s administrative leave has been extended through July 14 by Major League Baseball and the players’ association.
Tampa Bay’s All-Star shortstop hasn’t played since Aug. 12 as MLB continues to investigate an alleged relationship with a minor.
Administrative leave is not a disciplinary measure under the sport’s joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, and a player will still receive pay. Franco, who has a salary of $2 million this year, has remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities there investigate.
Franco was placed on the restricted list for a week on August 14, while MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting Franco had a relationship with a minor. The Associated Press has not been able to verify the reported messages.
Franco was placed on administrative leave on August 22 and remained there until the end of the season. There is no leave outside the season. He resumed the leave on opening day as part of an agreement until June 1.
MLB will likely wait until the Dominican investigation is complete before deciding whether to pursue disciplinary action.
Originally charged with commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering — charges that could carry 30 years, 10 years and 20 years in prison, respectively — Franco is charged instead with sexual and psychological abuse, according to a judge’s resolution reported to the AP in January has gotten .
Franco had not been formally charged, but if found guilty of the new charges, he could face a prison sentence of two to five years.
Franco, who turned 23 on March 1, was in the middle of his third Major League season when his career was halted, hitting .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts in 112 games.
Franco agreed to an 11-year contract worth $182 million in November 2021.
