Franco, 25, is the Rays’ shortstop facing a sexual-abuse case; latest ruling finds him criminally responsible for abusing a minor and granted a new trial.
A Dominican court has ruled that Wander Franco has been a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who was sentenced to 10 years for sexually trafficking her daughter. Franco has been exempted from punishment under judicial pardon; full sentencing is set for June 16. MLB says it will review the ruling.