The Tampa Bay Rays are taking no chances after allegations surfaced on social media that rising short-stop Wander Franco was involved in misconduct with a ‘minor’.
The Rays did not include Franco on the team plane following a now deleted post on X (Twitter) regarding alleged impropriety.
It has also been reported that he would also miss the series against the Giants while the club investigates the evolving story.
The Rays were made aware of the allegations midway through the team’s 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. He did not reappear for the fifth inning, after being part of the dugout for the start of the match.
In a statement by the Rays said, “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
The 22-year-old Dominican has had a decent outing so far in his third MLB season, with a .281/.344/.475 average so far this campaign. He also boasts .819 OPS, 17 home runs, 58 RBI’s and 30 stolen bases.
Although these allegations are yet to be tested, it could still spell trouble for the Rays budding star.
He was ranked as the fourth best prospect in 2019 by Baseball America.
Tampa did not dwell on the posts, or the allegations thereof, but is keeping within protocols.
