Rays SS Wander Franco will be tried for sexual abuse of minors in the Dominican Republic

Two months after being accused of sexual assault in the Dominican Republic, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is set to stand trial.

According to a ruling Thursday in the city of Puerto Plata by Judge Pascual Valenzuela – reported by ESPN’s Juan Arturo Recio – the evidence against Franco was deemed sufficient to warrant criminal proceedings at a date to be determined.

On July 9, Franco was arrested on charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest stemmed from allegations that Franco had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl; The girl’s mother was also charged with human trafficking, money laundering and sexual exploitation.

Franco has not played since August 12, 2023 – a day before the 23-year-old was placed on the restricted list when the allegations against him became public.

Once one of baseball’s top talents, Franco made his first All-Star team in November 2021 – signing an 11-year, $182 million extension in November 2021.