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The Tampa Bay Rays confirmed on Sunday that Main League Baseball is investigating Wander Franco after social media posts went viral alleging that the shortstop had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, in accordance with Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Occasions.
“Throughout at this time’s recreation, we have been made conscious of the social media posts which might be circulating relating to Wander Franco,” the Rays said in a statement. “We take the scenario critically and are in shut contact with Main League Baseball because it conducts its due diligence.”
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MLB is trying into the social media posts and has but to confirm the data. This early within the course of, with out confirmed info, Franco might be positioned on the restricted record or administrative go away. The Rays, when requested about Franco not being on the aircraft, declined remark.
Franco, 22, did not play in Sunday’s 9-2 loss towards the Cleveland Guardians and left the dugout within the fifth inning. Osleivis Basabe made his MLB debut in his place.
Supervisor Kevin Money told reporters earlier than the sport that Franco was being given a routine time without work and that he simply needed to “get him off his toes.”
“I’m conscious of this hypothesis,” Money added after the sport. “I am not going to remark any additional on that. However the time without work was as a result of (of) the time without work.”
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Supervisor Kevin Money addresses the media after the @RaysBaseball loss to the Guardians on Sunday 🎙 pic.twitter.com/ZmhDdztl3T
Franco, a first-time All-Star this season, is hitting .281 with 17 homers, 58 RBI, 65 runs, 30 stolen bases and a .819 OPS. He signed an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in Nov. 2021. The deal features a $25 million group possibility in 2033.
