The Brief The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco began Monday in the Dominican Republic. The trial of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is underway in the Dominican Republic, with Franco speaking in court on Monday. Tampa Bay Rays Dominican baseball shortstop Wander Franco, who faces an accusation of molesting an underage girl, leaves court under heavy escort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on January 5, 2024. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, is escorted by police to court in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Franco's fate will be decided by a panel of judges since there are no jury trials in the Dominican Republic.