Fox News Flash top sports headlines for June 24
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
After sitting out back-to-back games against the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is in the lineup for Saturday’s third game of a four-game series.
Franco was benched Thursday and Friday for how he has handled frustrations this season.
The Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco smiles as he talks to Vidal Brujan in the dugout during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals Friday, June 23, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
He will bat second Saturday against Kansas City starting pitcher Jordan Lyles.
"It’s been hard, really hard, not being with team," Franco said through a translator. "I’m happy to be back. It’s been difficult."
REDS' TOP PROSPECT ELLY DE LA CRUZ HITS FOR CYCLE IN JUST HIS 15TH MLB GAME
While Rays manager Kevin Cash declined to get into specifics on what led to Franco’s benching, multiple instances this season involving Franco are believed to have led to it.
Franco has had baserunning lapses, failed to run out ground balls at times and shattered his bat after an at-bat Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.
Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Tropicana Field June 8, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The young shortstop also had a verbal altercation in the dugout with teammate Randy Arozarena in May, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
"I think they’re doing a good job in the way they’ve controlled the situation," Franco said. "I’ve been with this organization a long time, and I think they’ve controlled the situation well with the errors that I’ve made."
Cash told reporters Thursday the organization will work with Franco.
The Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco, left, and Vidal Brujan, wearing Arozarena promotional giveaway jerseys, switch places during batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, June 24, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
"Wander is a really good kid, really good person. He's a young player that is learning and dealing with the challenges of being a Major League player and some of the frustrations that come with it," Cash said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Over the course of this season, there's been probably multiple times that the way he has handled his frustrations have not been the way that we ask our players to uphold being the best teammate."
Franco signed an 11-year, $182-million guaranteed contract in November 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.