"Best I don’t comment much past that" - Rays manager Kevin Cash declines to discuss Wander Franco situation after SS is placed on restricted list

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was formally charged by prosecutors in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. The 23-year-old star has been formally charged with sexual abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of a minor and is scheduled to go to trial on August 14.

Following the announcement that prosecutors had officially charged the shortstop, Wander Franco was placed on the MLB's restricted list. As long as he remains on the restricted list, Franco will no longer accrue service time nor continue to be paid by the Tampa Bay Rays.

"Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has now been placed on the restricted list and is no longer being paid or receiving service time after being formally charged with sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the Dominican Republic. Franco is in the third year of an 11-year, $182 million contract" - @BNightengale

It is a major update in the ongoing saga surrounding Franco and his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the trial will be, however, according to attorney Juan Arturo Recio, the former All-Star could face up to 20 years in prison.

Following the news of the charges against Franco, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash was asked about the entire situation. “Serious charges, very concerning," Cash told the media, however, he remained careful to say much. "Probably best I don’t comment much past that and keep our focus here on this team," he continued.

Given the nature of the situation, as well as the seriousness of the situation, it's understandable that Kevin Cash did not want to speak much on charges against Wander Franco. The Tampa Bay Rays are within striking distance of an American League Wild Card spot, so it's clear that Cash is prioritizing his current roster and their postseason push.

The MLB will not punish Wander Franco until his case is resolved

The ongoing Franco saga is one of the most serious in recent MLB history. Given the severe nature of the charges against the Rays shortstop, the MLB announced that while their investigation into the allegations against Franco remains open, they will wait until the case is resolved before determining any punishment.

It remains to be seen if Franco will ever play in the MLB again even if he is cleared of any wrongdoing. Suppose Franco is cleared of any criminal charges. In that case, the league will still run its own investigation and determine if punishment under the domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy is warranted.