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June 23 (UPI) — Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash revealed that star shortstop Wander Franco has been benched for a minimum of two games due to concerns about his frustration and ability to be a good teammate.
Franco’s first time on the bench was during Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Royals in St. Petersburg, Florida. He will continue to be absent from the lineup when the Rays face the Royals on Friday at Tropicana Field.
“Wander is a really good kid and a really good person,” Cash conveyed to reporters. “As a young player in the major leagues, he is grappling with the challenges and frustrations that come with it.”
Franco, widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball in 2020 and 2021, made his MLB debut in 2021. He showcased impressive performances with a batting average of .288, seven home runs, and 39 RBIs in 70 games during his rookie season. Last year, he continued to exhibit his skills with a .277 batting average, six home runs, and 33 RBIs in 83 games.
Throughout the first 72 games of the 2023 season, the Dominican infielder has maintained a strong performance, hitting .287 with eight homers, 34 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases.
“There have been instances this season where Wander’s handling of his frustrations did not align with our expectations for a teammate,” Cash explained. “However, we will continue to support him as he works through this. Personally, I am committed to assisting him, and the entire organization and coaching staff share the same sentiment. We eagerly await his return.”
Cash elaborated on Franco’s situation in a separate interview on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. While he refrained from providing specifics, Cash acknowledged the challenges faced by Franco, who is among the “youngest and best” players in the league.
Franco secured an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in 2021.
The Tampa Bay Rays currently hold the best record in MLB with a 52-26 win-loss record. They maintain a 4 1/2 game lead over the Baltimore Orioles, who stand in second place in the American League East. Additionally, they hold a comfortable 9 1/2 game lead over the third-place New York Yankees.
In their upcoming game at 4:10 p.m. EDT on Friday at Tropicana Field, the Rays will face the Kansas City Royals, who possess the second-worst record in baseball. Taylor Walls is expected to assume the shortstop position.
