Wander Franco dropped by Tampa Bay Rays over ‘social media posts circulating about him’ as MLB opens investigation
- Wander Franco was left out of the Rays team that lost to the Guardians on Sunday
- The Rays later said that MLB is investigating social media posts about the 22-year-old Franco
Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts involving Ray shortstop Wander Franco, Tampa Bay said Sunday.
Franco did not 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 said in a statement. “We are taking the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
Tampa Bay did not provide details about the nature of the social media posts.
Osleivis Basabe started as shortstop on Sunday in the 22-year-old’s Major League-debut. Basabe, who went 1 for 3 with a double, learned he was brought up during his game Saturday night with Triple-A Durham.
Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts involving Rays star Wander Franco
Franco, 22, played for the Rays on Saturday and signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021
Franco started Sunday’s game in the Rays’ dugout, then left it in the fifth inning.
Sunday’s promotion at Tropicana Field was the Wander Franco Snapback Hat for fans 14 and under.
After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash was asked if there was a problem with Franco not playing other than a regular day off. Cash replied, “No.”
“I’m aware of the speculation and I’m not going to comment further,” Cash said. “The day off was because (it was) a day off.”
Franco was benched by the Rays for two games at the end of June due to his reaction to frustrating situations and not being the best teammate at times.
Tampa Bay signed the 22-year-old in November 2021 to a $182 million, 11-year contract, a 2033 team option deal that could be worth $223 million.
An AL All-Star this season, Franco hits .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs and is 30 for 40 in stolen bases in 112 games.