Rays' Wander Franco out of lineup as MLB probes 'social media posts' involving star player

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Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco was out of the starting lineup on Sunday as Major League Baseball launched an investigation into "social media posts" involving the 22-year-old.

After the Rays lost to the Cleveland Guardians, 9-2, Tampa Bay released a statement.

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Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco watches from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians, Aug. 13, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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

The Rays didn’t detail the nature of the social media posts.

Franco was in the team’s dugout to start the game but left in the fifth inning. He was the key component of the organization’s promotion on Sunday – it was Wander Franco Snapback Hat Day and fans 14 and under could receive one when they walked through the gates into Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash was asked whether there was any issue that Franco wouldn’t play other than having a scheduled day off. He said, "No."

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Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco, center right, celebrates with third-base coach Brady Williams after hitting a walk-off home run against the Cleveland Guardians, Aug. 11, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

"I’m aware of the speculation, and I’m not going to comment any further on