Suspended Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Admitted to Mental Health Clinic in Dominican Republic

Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was reportedly detained by police in the Dominican Republic and admitted to a mental-health facility at his family's request on Tuesday. This incident is not linked to his ongoing legal issues. It occurred days after Franco publicly claimed $16,000 was stolen from him, a claim his attorney disputed. Franco was found guilty in June of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, receiving a two-year suspended prison sentence. He has been on administrative leave or the restricted list since August 2023, following initial allegations and subsequent charges including sexual abuse and human trafficking. Franco, who signed a 12-year, $185 million deal in 2021, has not played in an MLB game since then and faces continued MLB investigation and other legal challenges, including previous arrests and gun possession charges.