Amid investigation, MLB insider shares stunning update on future of Wander Franco

It was reported earlier this week that social media posts had surfaced alleging that the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop had engaged in an improper relationship with a minor. The following day, the Rays and the 22-year-old mutually agreed that he would go on the Restricted List and "take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip," which ends with Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

The team also released the following statement.

According to an Associated Press and ESPN report on Wednesday evening, a prosecutor in the Dominican Republic said that an investigation into the 2023 All-Star is being handled by the National Agency for Boys, Girls, Adolescents and Family and Gender Violence Unit, which specializes in "minors and gender violence in the province of Peravia." Per the report, the inquiry is in its "early stages" and will be chaired by Chief Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías, a specialist in child abuse cases.

"This is a very delicate topic because there is a minor involved," the prosecutor, Ángel Darío Tejeda Fabal, said, per the report. "We are working together (with Llaverías)."

He added that prosecutors are "gathering evidence and testimonies" and they "might be able to give some of the necessary information without hurting the investigation" next week.

Tejeda Fabal noted that he hasn't yet had any contact with MLB executives or U.S. authorities regarding the case.