Maikel Franco briefly suspended by Dominican Winter League team

Maikel Franco is playing in the Dominican Winter League for the Cibao Giants. According to reports, the Giants suspended him three games “for violating the organization’s discipline code.”

That violation was apparently partying until 6 a.m. when his team has a 4 p.m. playoff game. Three other players were out with Franco and also suspended.

Franco apologized for his behavior, and the suspension was lifted.

***

Of course this doesn’t look good – it’s easy to say that if you’re playing for a team, don’t party until the wee hours of the morning before a playoff game. That said, Franco is still 25 and in a situation where it’s tempting to hang out and party all night. I’ve been there, and maybe you have, too.

I’m not going to rake the guy over the coals for this, but it’s a sign that there’s still some growing up he has to do. He has to really prove his value this year, or that’s the end.