The Tampa Bay Rays have positioned Wander Franco at the limited checklist as Main League Baseball investigates social media posts involving the shortstop, the Rays introduced Monday.

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

Franco didn’t play games in Sunday’s 9-2 loss to Cleveland.

“During today’s game, we were made aware of the social media posts that are circulating regarding Wander Franco,” the Rays mentioned Sunday in a observation. “We take the situation seriously and are in close contact with Major League Baseball as it conducts its due diligence.”

Tampa Bay didn’t feature the character of the social media posts.

Osleivis Basabe began at shortstop on Sunday within the 22-year-old’s main league debut. Basabe, who went 1 for three with a double, discovered he used to be being introduced up all through his recreation Saturday evening with Triple-A Durham.

Franco began Sunday’s recreation within the Rays’ dugout, nearest left it within the 5th inning.

Next the sport, Rays supervisor Kevin Money used to be requested whether or not there used to be any factor with Franco no longer taking part in alternative than a familiar moment off. Money responded: “No.”

“I’m aware of the speculation, and I’m not going to comment any further on that,” Money mentioned. “The day off was because (it was) a day off.”

ESPN studies Franco didn’t advance with the Rays for the later layout in San Francisco.

Franco used to be benched for 2 video games in past due June by means of the Rays for the way he has answered to irritating statuses and no longer being the most productive teammate now and then.

Tampa Bay signed the 22-year-old to an 11-year, $182 million pledge in November 2021.

Franco, an AL All-Megastar this season, is hitting .281 with 17 homers, 58 RBIs. He’s 30 for 40 in stolen-base makes an attempt in 112 video games.

Reporting by means of the Related Press.

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