MLB Is Investigating All-Star Wander Franco’s Alleged Relationship with a Minor

4 months ago 2 min read

After social media posts alleging that All-Star shortstop Wander Franco is having a relationship with an underage lady went viral on Sunday, the Rays pulled the 22-year-old out of the lineup previous to Tampa’s 9-2 loss to Cleveland. Franco began Sunday’s sport within the Rays’ dugout, then left it within the fifth inning. When the Rays departed to fly to San Francisco for a collection with the Giants following the loss, Franco was not on the workforce airplane.

“Throughout as we speak’s sport, we had been made conscious of the social media posts which are circulating relating to Wander Franco,” the Rays stated in an announcement. “We take the state of affairs critically and are in shut contact with Main League Baseball because it conducts its due diligence.”

After yanking Franco from the lineup earlier than Sunday’s sport, Tampa supervisor Kevin Money claimed it was a deliberate relaxation day for his star participant. “I’m conscious of the hypothesis, and I’m not going to remark any additional on that,” Money informed reporters after the sport. “The time without work was as a result of [it was] a time without work.”

The timing of the allegations surfacing on-line was particularly awkward because of a promotion the Rays had been holding on Sunday.

I simply need to ensure that I perceive this. Wander Franco was pulled from the rays lineup as we speak as a result of there’s claims on-line that he was courting a 14 yo (eighth grade). Rays declare it was a coincidence that he had the time without work. Right this moment’s giveaway: a Franco rays hat for followers 14 or below. pic.twitter.com/ozk6IlEaLL

— Nate (@nategorman) August 14, 2023

In an Instagram Stay put up on Monday, Franco denied the allegations.

From Wander Franco’s IG Stay :

“They are saying that I’m in public with slightly lady, that I’m operating round with a minor. Individuals don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re speaking about. That’s why I want to be on my aspect & not get entangled with anyone.” pic.twitter.com/DEtsHCrbQW

— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) August 14, 2023

Batting .281 with 17 homers, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases this season, Franco signed an 11-year contract with Tampa Bay in November 2021 price $182 million with a workforce choice for 2033 that would make the deal price $223 million.

If Franco is out of the lineup for Tampa Bay for an prolonged time period, which he probably will likely be if the allegations about his relationship have any advantage, the Rays are going to be in hassle. One among MLB’s hottest groups to start out the season, the Rays have scuffled of late and presently sit in second place within the AL East at 71-49.