The Tampa Bay Rays and their star shortstop, Wander Franco, have come to a mutual agreement that Franco will be placed on the restricted list due to ongoing investigations by Major League Baseball into allegations made against him on social media. Franco’s placement on the restricted list will continue at least until the end of the Rays’ upcoming six-game road trip from August 14th to August 20th.
In a statement released on Monday, the Rays expressed their support for the league’s efforts to investigate the situation and stated that they have no further comments to make at this time, out of respect for all parties involved.
The Rays became aware of social media posts about Franco on Sunday and initially announced that Major League Baseball was conducting “due diligence” regarding the matter. According to Marc Topkin on Twitter, Franco will continue to be paid during his time on the restricted list.
The Rays’ road trip begins on Monday night in San Francisco, with a three-game series against the Giants at Oracle Park. Franco did not travel with the team on Sunday night.
Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the situation after the team’s loss to the Guardians on Sunday. Cash acknowledged the speculation surrounding Franco but did not provide any further comment. He clarified that Franco’s absence from the lineup on Sunday was due to a scheduled day off and was unrelated to the ongoing investigations.
Instead of Franco, the Rays gave infielder Osleivis Basabe his debut at shortstop in the game against the Guardians, which resulted in a 9-2 loss for the Rays. The team had recalled Basabe prior to the game, temporarily demoting lefty Josh Fleming.
Franco, who recently signed an 11-year extension with the Rays in November 2021, has had an impressive season, earning his first All-Star Game selection and maintaining a batting average of .281 with an on-base percentage of .344 and a slugging percentage of .475 in 112 games.