Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays has received a suspended two-year prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been named to the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining notable players like Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes.

In other news, Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte hit a home run but was visibly emotional after a fan insulted him regarding his deceased mother during a game. Teammate Corbin Carroll is optimistic about a brief stint on the injured list. Additionally, the Diamondbacks have signed veteran catcher James McCann.

The Rays also dealt with injury as Hunter Bigge was hospitalized after being struck by a foul ball, though he remained conscious. Tensions flared in a recent game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, leading to a bench-clearing incident. Notably, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a record-setting pinch-hit walk-off home run.