MLB is investigating racist social media posts directed at Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. before his demotion to Triple-A Iowa two weeks ago.
Edwards, who was sent down to the minors after a rough start to the season, allegedly received messages on Instagram reportedly bordering on hate speech, The Athletic reported.
“We are aware of the situation,” an MLB spokesperson told the site Monday. “We have a team that works with social media companies to take appropriate actions in situations like this.”
The 27-year-old reliever was a rising stud in the Cubs bullpen over the last two seasons, but he struggled down the stretch in 2018 and posted an ERA of 32.40 in 1 2/3 innings through four appearances before he was demoted April 6.
Before he was sent down, he reportedly dealt with hate-laced messages on Instagram that prompted a response from the Cubs.
“We were shocked by the racist, profanity-laced social media message sent to Carl Edwards Jr. earlier this month,” president of baseball operations Theo Epstein wrote in a statement on behalf of the Cubs organization. “We vehemently condemn the content of the message and are supporting Major League Baseball’s investigation to identify the person responsible.
“In a sport that celebrates diversity and unites people from all backgrounds, we are appalled anyone claiming to be a fan would send divisive and bigoted insults to a player. Whether spoken, posted or published, this type of reprehensible language and views cannot be tolerated in our game or society.”
Edwards is one of just 68 black players in MLB during a time in which league is just 7.7 percent African American. Last season, baseball announced that the number of black players was at its highest since the 2012 season at 8.4 percent, but this pales in comparison to the 19 percent in the mid-80s.
Black players have faced hate speech in MLB not just on social media, but on the field as well as then-Orioles outfielder Adam Jones dealt with racial slurs during a game at Fenway Park in Boston in 2017.
Edwards said through his agent that he appreciates the support he has received from Cubs fans despite the recent social media incidents.
"I’ve known C.J. for a long time, and while he has mentioned being upset at social media attacks in the past, the recent incidents are completely beyond normal fan frustration," agent Lee Long of the Ballengee Group said in a statement. "No player should be expected to bear such personal attacks, especially based on the color of their skin. However, C.J. has made a point to mention how grateful he is of the Cubs fans for their support. Furthermore, we are very appreciative of the efforts of the Cubs, MLB and the union in addressing this matter.”
Since being sent down to Triple-A Iowa, Edwards appears to have ironed out some of his early season control problems (five walks in 1 2/3 innings) as he has posted a 2.25 ERA in four innings with just one walk.