SEE AMAZON.COM DEALS FOR TODAY
Major League Baseball is investigating social media posts involving Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. The nature of the posts has not been disclosed. Franco did not play in Sunday’s game, and Osleivis Basabe made his major league debut as his replacement. The Rays stated that they are taking the situation seriously and are working closely with MLB. Franco has previously been benched for disciplinary issues. MARK DIDTLER reported
Major League Baseball is currently investigating social media posts involving Wander Franco, the shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays. The team announced on Sunday that they were aware of the circulating posts and are in close communication with MLB as they conduct their investigation. The specific nature of the social media posts has not been disclosed by the Rays.
In Sunday’s game against Cleveland, Franco did not play, and Osleivis Basabe made his major league debut as the starting shortstop instead. Basabe had a solid performance, going 1 for 3 with a double. Franco was present in the Rays’ dugout at the beginning of the game but left in the fifth inning.
After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash was asked about Franco’s absence from the lineup, and he stated that it was just a regular day off and there were no other issues. Cash declined to comment further on the speculation surrounding Franco.
It’s worth noting that Franco was previously benched for two games in late June due to his response to frustrating situations and his behavior as a teammate. Despite this, the Rays signed him to a lucrative $182 million, 11-year contract in November 2021, with a team option for 2033 that could potentially be worth $223 million.
Franco, who was selected as an AL All-Star this season, has been performing well with a batting average of .281, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a successful 30 out of 40 stolen base attempts in 112 games.
The investigation into the social media posts adds another layer of scrutiny to Franco’s already high-profile status in the league..
