Rays Place Wander Franco on MLB Restricted List

Amid MLB’s investigation into the Tampa Bay shortstop, the Rays placed him on leave.

The Rays placed shortstop Wander Franco on MLB’s restricted list Monday following the league’s investigation into social media posts involving the 22-year-old.

The team released a statement Monday, indicating the decision to place Franco on the restricted list was mutual.

“The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip,” the team said in its statement.

Messages posted Sunday to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, alleged that Franco has been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The Rays traveled to San Francisco ahead of their three-game series against the Giants which starts Monday evening. Franco did not travel with the team. Following the Rays’ series against the Giants, the team will play three games in Anaheim against the Angels before returning to Florida on Aug. 22.

Franco did not play in Tampa Bay’s series finale against the Guardians on Sunday. Manager Kevin Cash told reporters the shortstop’s absence on Sunday was merely a “day off.” 

Players typically aren’t paid when they’re placed on the restricted list. However, Franco will be paid during his leave of absence, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in November 2021. He’s under contract with the team through the 2032 season, with a club option for 2033.