Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco was placed on the restricted list Monday as MLB investigates allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Franco, 22, did not travel with the Rays on their upcoming six-game road trip to California. Additionally, he did not play Sunday, when the reports were first shared on social media.

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

After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash claimed it was a scheduled off day for Franco. The team had scheduled a promotion for Sunday in which all fans 14 and under received a “Wander Franco snapback hat.”

“I’m aware of the speculation, and I’m not going to comment any further on that,” Cash said. “The day off was because [it was] a day off.”

Franco reportedly denied the allegations on Instagram, but any such denial had been removed from his page by Monday. The accusing social media posts suggested Franco had been in a relationship with an underage girl.

Franco was an all-star this year for the first time in his three-year MLB career and has helped power the Rays to second place in the AL East, 10 games ahead of the Yankees. Earlier this year, the team benched him for two games for “not being the best teammate,” according to Cash.

“We support any steps taken by the league to better understand the situation,” the Rays said Monday. “Out of respect for all parties involved, we have no further comments at this time.”

With News Wire Services

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