MLB investigating racist messages sent to Cubs' Edwards

A day after Major League Baseball honored the 72nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport's color barrier, the league is looking into racist messages that Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. received on Instagram, sources told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

"We are aware of the situation," an MLB spokesperson said Monday. "We have a team that works with social media companies to take appropriate actions in situations like this."

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein commented on the messages Edwards received and confirmed the league is investigating the matter.

"We were shocked by the racist, profanity-laced social media message sent to Carl Edwards Jr. earlier this month," Epstein wrote in a statement. "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, 27, was demoted to Triple-A earlier this month after he pitched to a 32.40 ERA over four appearances (1 2/3 innings) to begin the 2019 season.

The right-hander was one of only 68 African-American players among 882 who appeared on Opening Day rosters this year.