MLB investigating Derek Holland's Twitter account

Major League Baseball announced an investigation into the Twitter account of Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland, the owner of a Twitter account that posted a homophobic slur while Holland was pitching Sept. 30.

Holland denies sending the tweet, suggesting his account was hacked during the game.

If evidence confirming Holland sent the tweet is found, he could face punishment for both the nature of the tweet as well as violation of MLB's rule prohibiting the use of social media during games.

Holland said his wife is the only other person with access to his Twitter account, and she denies sending anything.

The tweet has been removed from Holland's timeline, and, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, MLB is working with Rangers security chief Blake Miller and John Blake, the executive vice president of communications, during their investigation.

The report comes in wake of Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar displaying a homophobic slur in Spanish on his eye black. Escobar was suspended three games in September.