Report: Rays' Wander Franco Has MLB Administrative Leave Extended Through July 14 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The MLB and MLBPA have extended administrative leave for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco through July 14, per the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin and ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

Gonzalez described the six-and-a-half week extension as "a procedural move to buy more time for new developments to materialize in a potential criminal case."

Franco has been on administrative leave since last August, following social media rumors alleging he had engaged in a relationship with a minor. Prosecutors from his native Dominican Republic subsequently accused him of having a relationship with a 14-year-old girl when he was 21.

The administrative leave, under which Franco continues to receive his $2 million salary, was previously set to expire on June 1.

Franco stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse in the Dominican Republic, Martín Adames Alcántara reported for the Associated Press.

He has not yet been formally accused, although prosecutors plan to bring formal accusations to court in June, according to William Aish of El Nuevo Diario (h/t Topkin.)

If found guilty, Franco could be sentenced to two to five years in prison, per Alcántara.

Dominican authorities have until July 5 to formally charge Franco, Juan Carlos Chavez reported for the Tampa Bay Times.

MLB is also holding its own investigation of Franco for potentially violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, according to Chavez.

Both Gonzalez and Topkin have reported that the league investigation, which could lead to Franco's suspension, is expected to conclude only after the potential criminal case is decided in the Dominican Republic.

Franco, who turned 23 in March, earned his first career All-Star nomination in 2023 prior to his departure from the team. He has $174 million remaining on his contract with the Rays, which runs through 2032.