1. Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco lost his appeal in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, with an appellate court upholding his conviction for sexual abuse of a minor and imposing a three-year suspended prison sentence.

The ruling, first reported by Dominican journalist Luis Tomas Rae Barett, leaves Franco's guilty verdict intact while adding a punishment that had been waived had been waived following his second trial in May, according to Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin. Franco, 25, has not played in the major leagues since August 2023.

Franco was found guilty in May of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor for the second time. The case involved a relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time, between December 2022 and February 2023, when Franco was 21.

Although the court found Franco guilty, judges initially granted him a judicial pardon, determining that he had also been subjected to extortion and blackmail by the girl's mother. She received a 10-year prison sentence, which the appellate court also upheld Thursday.

Both Franco and prosecutors challenged the May ruling. Franco's attorneys argued that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction, while prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence rather than no punishment.

Franco previously received a two-year suspended sentence following his first trial in June 2025, but appeals from both sides resulted in a second trial.

Under the latest ruling, Franco could face imprisonment if he violates the conditions of his suspended sentence. He can still appeal to the Dominican Supreme Court, although that process could take years.

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The decision further complicates Franco's potential return to MLB. Legal experts have indicated that his conviction could prevent him from obtaining the visa necessary to work in the United States.

Franco remains on MLB's restricted list and has not received pay since charges were filed in July 2024. The league also has an ongoing investigation that could result in additional discipline.

The former All-Star debuted with Tampa Bay in June 2021 and signed an 11-year, $182 million guaranteed contract that November. Approximately $149 million remains owed under the deal.