Dominican court revokes Wander Franco's pardon as Rays play in the World Series

A Dominican Republic appeals court revoked the pardon that had been granted to Wander Franco following his conviction for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, the organization confirmed Wednesday. The ruling lands while Tampa Bay is in the middle of the Fall Classic, adding a significant off-field complication to an already turbulent October.

Franco has been absent from the Rays' active roster throughout the postseason run, and the legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic have moved independently of the team's on-field calendar. The appeals court's decision to void the pardon means the conviction stands in its current form, though the precise next steps in the Dominican legal process were not immediately detailed.

For the Rays, the timing is unavoidable. The franchise is in the World Series — down to Milwaukee after dropping two of the first three games — and now must manage questions about a player whose status has been a long-running organizational matter. The club has not commented publicly on the ruling as of Wednesday.