Wander Franco had a summons to appear before authorities investigating his cases in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Thursday, but the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop did not show up, according to ESPN's Juan Arturo Recio.
A report from Dominican outlet Dominicano Ahora said Franco disempowered/fired his lawyers. Arturo Recio confirmed the report, citing the Associated Press.
Franco is being investigated by the Offices of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Children and Adolescents in the Dominican Republic over allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with minors. Authorities searched for Franco at two different homes in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday but could not locate him.
Franco last played in MLB on Aug. 12. He was placed on paid administrative leave once the allegations were made public.
The 21-year-old shortstop batted .281 with an .819 OPS in 112 games during the 2023 season. He made his first All-Star team this year and is signed through 2032 on a $182 million contract.
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