Associated Press Jun 22, 2023 5:02pm ET2 minute read
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was benched by coach Kevin Cash for handling frustrating situations this year.
Franco will not play at least in Thursday and Friday’s games against the Kansas City Royals, Cash said.
“Wander is a really good boy, a really good person,” Cash said ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Royals. “He’s a young player learning and grappling with the challenges of being a major league player and the frustrations that come with it.”
“Throughout this season there have probably been several times where he hasn’t dealt with his frustrations in the way we’ve asked our players to continue being the best teammate.”
Cash declined to give details of any incidents, but the 22-year-old was temporarily without grounders and had some baserunning errors.
Also, Franco has thrown his racquet after striking and last Sunday declined to speak to reporters after making two mistakes on a play.
“We will continue to support Wander as they navigate this situation,” Cash said. “I personally will do it [help], this organization will do it, this staff will do it. We are happy to have him back with us.”
Franco hits .287 with eight homers and 34 RBIs and has 24 stolen bases.