Wander Franco dropped by Tampa Bay Rays over ‘social media posts circulating about him’ as MLB opens investigation

Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts involving Ray shortstop Wander Franco, Tampa Bay mentioned Sunday.

Franco didn’t play in Sunday’s 9-2 loss to Cleveland.

“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media reports circulating about Wander Franco,” the Rays mentioned in an announcement. “We are taking the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”

Tampa Bay didn’t present particulars in regards to the nature of the social media posts.

Osleivis Basabe began as shortstop on Sunday within the 22-year-old’s Major League-debut. Basabe, who went 1 for 3 with a double, discovered he was introduced up throughout his sport Saturday night time with Triple-A Durham.

Franco began Sunday’s sport within the Rays’ dugout, then left it within the fifth inning.

Sunday’s promotion at Tropicana Field was the Wander Franco Snapback Hat for followers 14 and underneath.

After the sport, Rays supervisor Kevin Cash was requested if there was an issue with Franco not taking part in apart from a daily time without work. Cash replied, “No.”

“I’m aware of the speculation and I’m not going to comment further,” Cash mentioned. “The day off was because (it was) a day off.”

Franco was benched by the Rays for 2 video games on the finish of June because of his response to irritating conditions and never being one of the best teammate at occasions.

Tampa Bay signed the 22-year-old in November 2021 to a $182 million, 11-year contract, a 2033 workforce possibility deal that may very well be price $223 million.

An AL All-Star this season, Franco hits .281 with 17 dwelling runs, 58 RBIs and is 30 for 40 in stolen bases in 112 video games.