Major League Baseball (MLB) is investigating social media posts involving Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. The team announced the investigation during Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Rays have acknowledged the presence of circulating posts related to Wander Franco on social media. They are actively cooperating with MLB's investigation and closely monitoring the situation.
A reliable source with knowledge about the matter has confirmed to CNN that MLB is indeed examining the social media posts associated with Wander Franco. However, the specific content of the posts has not been made public.
Franco did not play in the Rays' 9-2 loss to the Guardians on Sunday. Rays manager Kevin Cash said Franco's absence was a pre-scheduled day off for the 22-year-old.
Cash addressed the speculation surrounding Franco's absence, saying that he is aware of it but would not elaborate further. He reiterated that Franco's absence was due to a planned break.
CNN has reached out to both MLB and Wander Franco's representation for their comments on the ongoing investigation.
Franco has been a key contributor to the Rays' success this season. He is batting .281 with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Rays are currently in third place in the American League East division standings.
In 2021, Wander Franco secured an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays. He is considered to be one of the rising stars in baseball.
MLB has not released any further details about the investigation into Wander Franco's social media posts. It is unclear what the posts contain or what MLB is looking for. However, the investigation is likely to cast a shadow over Franco and the Rays for the foreseeable future.