Tampa Bay Rays superstar shortstop Wander Franco is reportedly under investigation in the Dominican Republic for an alleged relationship with a second minor.
The MLB and the Rays had already launched an investigation into Franco after posts circulated on social media accusing him of an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Franco denied the allegation.
The media office of the attorney general in the Dominican Republic announced the second investigation, alleging that Franco had a relationship with a 17-year-old girl in the D.R., where the legal age of consent is 18, according to Fox News.
Franco was scratched from Tampa Bay‘s lineup Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians and has been absent ever since. Later that day, the 22-year-old superstar didn’t travel with the team as they flew to San Francisco for a series against the Giants.
The Attorney General of the Dominican Republic says that there is a complaint filed by a minor against Wander Franco.
According to the Attorney General of the DR, it’s another young woman, not the one on social media, per @DiarioLibre / @AlertasMundial. https://t.co/Og1AnsMwxn
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) August 15, 2023
The Rays and Franco reportedly agreed that he would be placed on the restricted list after the franchise and MLB launched an investigation into the social media posts, according to OutKick.
Franco made an appearance Sunday on Instagram Live prior to Tampa Bay playing against Cleveland, denying the rumors of the original claims against him. Jose Siri, a teammate of Franco’s, was heard shouting in the background that the allegations were nothing more than a “shakedown” attempt.
Tampa Bay issued a statement Monday on MLB’s investigation into Franco, saying the team supports the league’s decision. (RELATED: REPORT: Rays’ Wander Franco Accused Of ‘Inappropriate Relationship With 14-Year-Old Minor,’ MLB Investigating Claims)
“We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation,” the statement reads. “Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”
As a part of the Rays’ and Franco’s agreement, the latter will still be paid while on the restricted list.