ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As the 2024 Major League Baseball season begins today, Wander Franco has been removed from the Rays’ 40-man Opening Day roster.
The Rays’ All-Star shortstop was removed from the roster Thursday and placed on administrative leave through June 1, according to a statement from the team.
What You Need To Know
- Rays SS Wander Franco has been removed from the Rays’ 40-man Opening Day roster
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The 23-year-old shortstop has been away from the team since August when Dominican authorities began investigating claims he had been in a relationship with a minor.
Major League Baseball launched its own investigation, placing Franco on the restricted list on Aug. 14 before moving him to administrative leave on Aug. 22.
Franco has not been formally charged, though investigations are ongoing.
Franco signed a $182 million, 11-year contract in 2021. His salary last year and this year is $2 million per season.