ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco is set to formally face charges in the Dominican Republic.

According to multiple reports, Franco, 23, will be accused in June of commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, stemming from an alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

He originally was accused of sexual and psychological abuse.

Also, accusations of money laundering and sexual exploitation had been dismissed in January.

A Dominican judge also determined that the money Franco is accused of giving the teen’s mother cannot be considered payment for the girl’s alleged services since the mother requested money after finding out about their relationship, which lasted four months, according to evidence collected by prosecutors.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182-million deal with the Rays in 2021.

He is still being paid his $2 million preseason salary.

Franco, who was called up to the majors in 2021, hit .281 and made the AL all-star team in 2023. Franco owns a .282 career batting average and has 30 career homers with 164 runs scored and 130 RBI.

Franco, who has not appeared in a Rays game since last August, remains on administrative leave from the Rays and is still under investigation by Major League Baseball.