The Tampa Bay Rays released a statement regarding shortstop Wander Franco and allegations made against him on social media on Sunday. The Rays said they were “made aware” of social media posts about Franco on Sunday and Major League Baseball is conducting “due diligence” about the matter.
“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the Rays said in their statement. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the situation following Tampa Bay’s loss to the Guardians on Sunday. At the time, Cash said he was aware of the speculation but offered no comment. He did add that Franco’s absence from the lineup on Sunday was because of a scheduled day off, and was not reflective of anything else going on with him.
Instead of Franco getting the nod at shortstop, the Rays deployed debuting infielder Osleivis Basabe in a loss against the Guardians. The Rays had only recalled Basabe prior to the game, demoting lefty Josh Fleming in the process.
Franco did not travel on the team plane as the Rays headed to San Francisco ahead of a series against the Giants on Sunday, per ESPN. Tampa Bay’s three-game series at Oracle Park starts Monday night.
Franco, 22, signed an 11-year extension with the Rays in November 2021. He was selected to his first All-Star Game this season and is hitting .281/.344/.475 in 112 games.
