Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Sits Out Amid Investigation

Wander Franco, an All-Star shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, sat out of his workforce’s recreation on Sunday, and the Rays stated Major League Baseball was investigating “social media posts” about him.

Franco was within the dugout for the primary a part of Sunday afternoon’s residence recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians, then left. The Rays misplaced, 9-2.

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

Manager Kevin Cash stated after the sport that it was “just a day off.”

“I’m aware of the speculation,” he continued. “I’m not going to comment any further on that. But the day off was because — a day off.”

MLB.com, The Athletic and The Tampa Bay Times had been amongst people who reported the incident was associated to social media posts that accused Franco of an inappropriate sexual relationship.

Franco, 22, is in his third season with the Rays and was an All-Star for the primary time this season. He is hitting .281 with 17 residence runs and 30 stolen bases.

He was benched for 2 video games in June for unspecified disciplinary causes. “Over the course of this season, there’s been probably multiple times that the way he has handled his frustrations have not been the way that we ask our players to uphold being the best teammate,” Cash stated on the time.

In 2021, the Rays invested closely in his future, signing him to an 11-year, $182 million contract, which was the richest deal ever for a participant with lower than one yr within the majors.

After a sizzling begin to this season, the Rays sit in second within the American League East, three video games behind the Baltimore Orioles, however are in sturdy place for one of many A.L.’s three wild playing cards.