MLB investigating social media posts involving Rays All-Star shortstop
Major League Baseball is launching an investigation into social media posts involving Rays All-Star shortstop Wander Franco. Tampa Bay also placed Franco on the restricted list.
“The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip,” the team said in a statement Monday.
When a player gets placed on the restricted list, they are removed from the roster. In most cases, they are not paid during this time.
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The Rays announced on Sunday night that they were aware of viral social media posts accusing Franco of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The shortstop was not in Tampa Bay’s lineup for its 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, and the team released a statement acknowledging it was aware of the circulating posts.
“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the statement said. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
The social media posts went viral shortly after Sunday’s game began, which included pictures of Franco and the alleged minor.
Rays manager Kevin Cash didn’t comment on the matter after the game, telling reporters Franco’s “day off was because (it was) a day off.” The Rays also had a promotional Franco snapback giveaway for those under 14 years old on Sunday.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that a clubhouse attendant packed Franco’s travel bag as the team prepared for its flight to San Francisco. Franco was in the dugout until about the fifth inning.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Franco didn’t make the trip to the West Coast and that MLB has “yet to verify the information” in the social media posts.
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The Rays begin their series against the Giants on Monday night.
