"Rays' Wander Franco Released Amid Ongoing Investigation into Alleged Minor Relationship"

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was conditionally released by a Dominican judge amidst an ongoing investigation into his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He must return to the Dominican Republic monthly to meet with authorities and has paid a bond of approximately $34,000. Prosecutors have accused him of "commercial sexual exploitation" and money laundering, presenting evidence of payments and gifts to the girl's mother. Franco was previously arrested for not attending a summons and has been on MLB's Restricted List since August, with MLB also conducting its own investigation. The Rays have not commented on the recent developments.