ST. PETERSBURG — Wander Franco was reinstated to the Rays’ 40-man roster Thursday following a procedural decision, but his return to play status remains unchanged and uncertain.
The 22-year-old shortstop remains under investigation by Major League Baseball following allegations of inappropriate relationships with minors, with the possibility of suspension. He is also under investigation by authorities in his native Dominican Republic. There have been no updates on the investigations or published timetables for their conclusion.
Franco was on administrative leave — a non-disciplinary status used when accusations against a player are made public before MLB completes an investigation — since Aug. 22, shortly after an allegation first surfaced on social media.
But administrative leave is only used during the season, so on Wednesday end of the World Series demanded that he be reinstated on the list.
Although his availability to play remains uncertain, the Rays – already facing a roster crisis – will have to use a roster spot for him. Additionally, they face an additional problem as Franco’s replacement at shortstop, Taylor Walls, recently had surgery on his right hip and might not be ready for opening day.
A league official confirmed Thursday that the investigation into Franco was still ongoing and that the change in status was strictly a procedural measure, with administrative leave not in effect during the offseason.
Franco last played for the Rays on August 12, the day before he first published the social media posts that quickly went viral. On August 14, he was placed on the restricted list by mutual agreement with the Rays, then moved to administrative leave, which is under the control of MLB. Per league and union rules, he continued to receive his $2 million salary and service hours.
If Franco’s status is not resolved by the opening of spring training in mid-February, he could be placed on administrative leave.
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