Franco ordered to stand trial in sexual abuse case

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will stand trial on charges that he sexually abused a minor following a judge’s ruling Thursday in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Judge Pascual Valenzuela determined that both the accusation and the evidence presented by the prosecution had sufficient merits to warrant a trial. Valenzuela would rule on a verdict at the trial, which does not have a set date yet.

Franco was placed on Major League Baseball’s restricted list in July, sources had told ESPN, after prosecutors in the Dominican Republic levied three charges against him for an alleged sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. Franco, 23, had been on administrative leave as part of a deal between MLB and the players’ association. The agreement included a provision that administrative leave, during which Franco was paid, would end if he was charged.

Franco faces charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years.

He is also under an MLB investigation under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy until the case is resolved.

Because Franco cannot leave the Dominican Republic under his bail agreement, his inability to report allowed the Rays to pursue the placement of Franco on the restricted list.

Also on Thursday, the father of the girl, who in January filed a complaint against Franco, reached an agreement with Franco’s legal representatives and withdrew his complaint. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed during the hearing.

Juan Arturo Recio is an ESPN Staff Writer based in the Dominican Republic.