Wander Franco

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on the restricted list Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The 23-year-old infielder was formally charged in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday and will face a human trafficking charge in addition to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor charges that had previously been discussed. By moving Franco to the restricted list instead of the administrative leave that he had been on since last August, he'll no longer be paid or accrue service time.

The prosecutors decided to press charges after the initial deadline expired, six months after a judge ordered that Wander Franco be investigated in connection with sexual and psychological abuse of the minor.

July 10: Recio further reports that in a Wednesday press release, Dominican authorities have indicated Franco will also be accused of human trafficking (in addition to prior charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor). The additional charge comes with potential for as much as 20 years in prison. July 9: Prosecutors in…