Rays’ Shortstop Wander Franco on Restricted List, MLB Investigates

Wander Franco will not travel with the Tampa Bay Rays as they play a trio of games in San Francisco before another three-game set against the L.A. Angels. He has been placed on the restricted list and is under investigation by Major League Baseball. Sources say it has to do with the nature of social media posts the player concerned published.

Wander Franco Out of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Lineup

The talented shortstop did not play Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians. He spent the first five innings in the dugout before leaving. Manager Kevin Cash said it was a planned day off, and admitted to being aware of some speculation, but offered no further comments.

ESPN reports that the social media posts relate to a girl the player knows back in the Dominican Republic and the nature of their relationship. Franco will take leave from the club for the time being. This is among the more delicate and sensitive stories for MLB reporters to cover. The club and league will probably be very careful in how they communicate information.

Franco was having a productive season. In 112 games he hit .282 with 58 RBIs and 17 HRs, the latter two stats being easy career bests. He was also nominated to the All-Star Game. A temporary benching was exercised in June in response to how Franco responded to challenging situations and his behaviour as a teammate, as per manager Kevin Cash.

22-year-old Osleivis Basabe is taking over in his place at shortstop.

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently 71-49, three games out of first place in the AL East behind the Baltimore Orioles. They hold a Wild Card spot.