Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco under investigation for alleged improper relationship with a minor

Major League Baseball has launched an investigation into star shortstop Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. This comes after social media posts over the weekend allegedly showed him in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Wander Franco was held out of Tampa Bay’s game on Sunday, and did not travel with the team after the game.

Despite acknowledging the rumors, manager Kevin Cash claimed this was a standard rest day for Franco. However, that would be strange given the Wander Franco hat promotion the Rays were running, as players typically play during nights when they are ostensibly being celebrated.

The organization announced that they were aware of the allegations on social media and that they were working with MLB. The goal for both the Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball is to do their due diligence in the wake of those troubling posts on social media.

“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.”

Wander Franco was in the dugout to start the game despite not playing. He left around the fifth inning. Franco did not join the team for their flight to San Francisco, according to Jeff Passan.

“We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation,” the Rays added on Twitter. “Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”

After being placed on the restricted list, Wander Franco will not play for the Rays while MLB investigates the alleged improper relationship.

“The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip,” the team announced.

When a player is on the restricted list, they are removed from the roster and are typically unpaid. However, he is still a member of the Rays organization.

Considered one of baseball’s up and coming stars, Wander Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with Tampa in 2021. He is widely considered the face of the franchise. In his place, Tampa Bay called Osleivis Basabe up from the Triple-A team.