Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently investigating allegations that 22-year-old Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco had an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Franco did not play in the game against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday (August 13).
“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the club said in a statement. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”
After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters it was “just a day off” for Franco. When asked if Franco’s absence had anything to do with the allegations that surfaced earlier that day, Cash avoided answering the question but doubled down on the reason Franco did not play.
“I’m aware of the speculation,” he said. “I’m not going to comment any further on that. But the day off was because [it was] a day off.”
On social media, a photo has been circulating of Franco posing with a young girl or young woman. The age of Franco’s companion in the picture is unknown. Another photo allegedly shows her wearing a big chain with Franco’s jersey number.
Late Sunday night, ESPN reported that Franco did not travel to San Francisco with the Rays where they will begin a three-game stint against the Giants on Monday (August 14).
ESPN also reported that the allegations against Wander Franco are “without confirmed facts” and that when asked again on the plane why he was not aboard, team officials declined to comment.