Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball on Tuesday amid multiple investigations into alleged relationships he had with underaged girls in his native Dominican Republic.
The 22-year-old Franco, who missed the past week after the Rays placed him on the restricted list, is being investigated by Dominican police, as well as MLB's department of investigations. While no charges have been filed against Franco, a prosecutor last week said a division specializing in minors and gender violence is directing the police investigation.
The designation of administrative leave is a significant but expected step by the league.