Major League Baseball is looking into social media posts involving Rays 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 posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the Rays said in a statement. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
Tampa Bay did not detail the nature of the social media posts, but there are rumors swirling online that Franco was involved in a romantic relationship with a very young minor. Franco denied the rumors.
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 whether there was any issue 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 any further on that,” Cash said. “The day off was because (it was) a day off.”
Franco was benched for two games in late June by the Rays for how he has responded to frustrating situations and not being the best teammate at times.
Tampa Bay signed the 22-year old to an $182 million, 11-year contract in November 2021, a deal with a team option for 2033 that could be worth $223 million.
Franco, an AL All-Star this season, is hitting .281 with 17 homers, 58 RBIs and is 30 for 40 in stolen base attempts in 112 games.
He denied the allegations in an Instagram live feed —
🇩🇴⚾ | Wander Franco denies rumors that point to an alleged relationship with a minor under 14 years of age.
Through his Instagram account, the Tampa Rays shortstop assured that he is focused on his performance as a professional MLB player. #RaysUp
— Danny Divito 🔑 🏡 (@realdannydivito) August 14, 2023
The Associated Press contributed to this article.