In a surprising turn of events, Tampa Bay’s rising star, 22-year-old All-Star shortstop Wander Franco, did not accompany the team on their flight to San Francisco ahead of their clash with the Giants, raising eyebrows and prompting speculation.
The decision comes as Major League Baseball (MLB) investigates undisclosed social media posts associated with Franco.
Although the exact nature of these posts remains undisclosed, the Rays released a statement confirming their awareness of the situation and their commitment to cooperating with MLB’s inquiries.
Franco’s absence has fueled rumors, with some suggesting that he might be placed on the restricted list or administrative leave, pending the outcome of MLB’s investigation.
However, the Rays have refrained from commenting further on the matter.
During Sunday’s game against Cleveland, Franco was seen in the dugout at the start of the match but left during the fifth inning. You should also read Unforeseen Upsets And Unanswered Questions Emerge From 49ers’ Preseason Rout By The Raiders.
He did not participate in the game and refrained from speaking to the media after the Rays’ 9-2 loss.
Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the speculation surrounding Franco after the game, stating that the absence from the lineup was due to a scheduled day off, rather than any other developments.
When asked if there were any issues beyond a regular day off, Cash responded with a succinct “No.”
This incident isn’t the first time Franco’s behavior has come under scrutiny. In late June, he was benched for two games by the Rays due to concerns about his responses to challenging situations and his behavior as a teammate. You may also tak a look at ‘Make Room For Daddy’ Was The O.G. Comedian Comedy.
Franco, who signed an impressive $182 million, 11-year contract with Tampa Bay in November 2021, has had a standout season, earning a spot in the All-Star Game.
His performance includes a .281 batting average, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a successful 30 out of 40 stolen base attempts across 112 games.
The unfolding situation has sparked curiosity among fans and commentators alike, emphasizing the need to await the conclusions of MLB’s investigation for a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Franco’s absence.
As the baseball world holds its breath, all eyes are on how this situation will evolve and impact Franco’s promising career.
