Franco failed to respond to a summons filed in the Dominican Republic to address allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with minors, Juan Arturo Recio of ESPN.com reports.

Franco had been summoned by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Children and Adolescents for questioning Thursday morning. At least two people have filed legal action against the Rays shortstop and, according to Recio, Franco is also under investigation for an alleged third relationship with a minor. Additionally, the Associated Press has reported that he recently fired his legal team. To this point, no criminal charges have been filed against Franco. Even if that remains the case, he is likely facing a suspension from Major League Baseball.

Franco was summoned by police in the Dominican Republic for questioning Thursday, Enrique Rojas and Juan Arturo Recio of ESPN Deportes report.

The summons came after authorities unsuccessfully searched for the 22-year-old at his two homes in the D.R. on Tuesday. Franco is under investigation by police and Major League Baseball for alleged inappropriate relationships with minors. He was on the restricted list from Aug. 12 through the end of the regular season before being reinstated last month in a procedural move. Whether Franco is ultimately charged criminally remains up in the air, but he is likely facing a lengthy suspension from MLB regardless.

The Yankees claimed Downs off waivers from the Nationals on Tuesday.

Downs had been designated for assignment a week ago and now has landed in his third organization over the last year. The 25-year-old was considered a top-100 prospect when he was acquired by the Red Sox in the Mookie Betts trade, but Downs has slashed just .202/.306/.370 at the Triple-A level.

Hampson signed a one-year contract with the Royals on Wednesday.

The deal is worth $2 million guaranteed, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Hampson was non-tendered by the Marlins earlier this month despite posting a career-best .276/.349/.380 batting line over 98 games in 2023 while appearing defensively at shortstop, second base, third base and all three outfield spots. The 29-year-old should be a useful super-utility option for Kansas City in 2024.

Mateo signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Orioles on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Mateo made $2 million in 2023 while slashing .217/.267/.340 with seven homers and 32 steals over 116 games as the O's primary shortstop. He might be more of a utility player in 2024, which will stunt his fantasy value, but the 28-year-old offers good speed and defensive versatility for the reigning AL East champions.

Shewmake was traded from Atlanta to the White Sox on Thursday along with Michael Soroka (forearm), Jared Shuster, Nicky Lopez and Riley Gowens in exchange for Aaron Bummer.

Shewmake entered the 2022 season with a chance to win the starting shortstop job in Atlanta, but Orlando Arcia's strong form ended that opportunity. Even after posting a disappointing 72 wRC+ across 526 plate appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett, Shewmake should once again be in a position to vie for a consistent role in the majors during spring training thanks to this change of scenery.

Lopez (oblique) was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday.

This is a procedural move for the Blue Jays after Lopez finished the 2023 season on the injured list due to a left oblique strain. He'll be ready to roll for the start of spring training.

The Rays placed Gray on outright waivers Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gray appeared in just two games for the Rays in 2023, going 2-for-5 with a home run. He slashed .235/.312/.485 with 30 homers and 98 RBI with Triple-A Durham, and he could draw interest on the waiver wire from teams looking for organizational depth in the infield.

Franco was activated Thursday from administrative leave, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This is merely a procedural move, as administrative leave is only applicable during the season and the World Series came to an end Wednesday. Franco is still under investigation from both authorities in the Dominican Republic and Major League Baseball following allegations that emerged this summer involving inappropriate relationships with minors. Topkin notes that Franco's "status to return to playing remains unchanged and uncertain."

The Rangers added Duran to their World Series roster Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Duran will be added to the roster as a replacement for Adolis Garcia, who suffered an oblique injury on a swing during Game 3. Duran slashed .276/.324/.443 across 439 plate appearances during the regular season, but he has yet to register a plate appearance in the postseason and will likely be used off the bench during the final games of the Fall Classic.