The Phillies lost Freddy Galvis to a MRSA infection that could keep him out for a few weeks. That leaves the Phillies' bench short. The Phillies watched Kevin Frandsen leave for the Nationals, they cut Ronny Cedeño, and Bobby Abreu was released. So, how will the Phillies fill the void? One interesting possibility is third baseman Maikel Franco.
The logic for this rests with how soon Freddy Galvis will return. If Galvis is going to be gone for just a couple weeks, it may make more sense for the Phillies to go in-house with a player that they can control and will continue to control.
Reid Brignac is someone who has experience in the major leagues and has played shortstop in recent days. But, as a minor league invitee who is out of options, Brignac would have to be designated for assignment the moment that Galvis returns. The Phillies could lose Brignac and lose their minor league depth for the day that hopefully does not occur, when either Jimmy Rollins or Freddy Galvis suffer an injury that will keep them out for an extended period of time.
So, enter Franco. Franco still has his three minor league options left. In all likelihood, the Phillies envision Franco being a player that will come to the majors and not be optioned back and forth like some fringe talent. If they really believe Franco is ready for the majors next year, he will be on the team to stay. The Phillies would have to make 40-man roster space for Franco like they would for Brignac, but Franco can just go right to the minor leagues afterward.
The Phillies could take a chance with Cesar Hernandez being the Phillies only backup shortstop for just a short while. One possible challenge to all of this: Jimmy Rollins is expecting child #2. If Rollins takes a paternity leave, the Phillies will need to add another player, possibly around April 5. Maybe by that time, Galvis would be ready enough to join the club. If Galvis is not ready yet, then the Phillies can risk losing Brignac, but not until then.
One sign the Phillies could at least be thinking of this? Maikel Franco is headed to Philadelphia for the On Deck Series, reports Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Yes, as he notes, this could just be some good experience. But it could mean the Phillies are at least considering the idea. It all hinges on how soon Galvis will be back.
