Rays’ Wander Franco Accused Of Relationships With 2 Underage Girls

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Tampa Bay Rays placed shortstop Wander Franco on the team’s restricted list as he faces allegations of relationships with two underage girls.

Social media posts accused the 22-year-old of having a physical relationship with a girl in the Dominican Republic who was under the age of 18, which is the country’s age of consent, Forbes reported.

Major League Baseball has opened an investigation into the accusations, which Franco denies, according to the Athletic.

He didn’t play in Sunday’s 9-2 loss to Cleveland. He also didn’t accompany the Rays to San Francisco for the start of a six-game road trip that begins Monday night against the Giants.

“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco. We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence,” the team said in a statement without addressing the nature of the posts.

Since the posts went viral, a second minor, a 17-year-old girl, has filed a complaint against Franco in the Dominican Republic, Fox News reported.

Asked about Franco’s alleged relationship with the minor, the media office of the attorney general in the Dominican Republic said in a statement “there are investigations regarding that matter.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.