Nearly three months ago, new Phillies rotation addition Jeremy Hellickson hit rookie Maikel Franco in the wrist with a pitch, sidelining the hot-hitting third baseman until the final weekend of the season. Now, according to Phillies.com, Franco is days away from suiting up for winter ball action in the Dominican Republic with Gigantes del Ciabo.
"He took some time off, but he's supposed to be out there any day," Phils player development director Joe Jordan said Tuesday afternoon.
In 80 games with the Phillies this season, Franco hit .280 with 22 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 50 RBIs and an .840 OPS, spanning 335 plate appearances. The 23-year-old third baseman is slated to be the Phils Opening Day starter at the hot corner, pending any setbacks or injuries in the offseason.
