To no one's surprise, the Phillies have finally made the move to call up their No. 3 prospect, Maikel Franco, from Triple-A.
3B Maikel Franco was recalled from @IronPigs. A corresponding move on the 25-man roster will be made later today.
— Phillies (@Phillies) May 15, 2015
According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, Franco will be at third base for the Phillies tonight as they host the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Franco needed to spend 40 days in the Minor Leagues this season to avoid becoming eligible for free agency following the 2020 season. The 40th day was yesterday. By calling up Franco today, he can become a free agent following the 2021 season. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro briefly commented on the call up of Franco.
Amaro, on Franco: "This was a baseball decision based on Maikel's development and performance. We believe he is ready for the next step."
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) May 15, 2015
In 33 games for the Ironpigs this season, Franco is slashing .355/.384/.539 and has 12 doubles, a triple, four home runs, 24 RBI's and 15 runs scored. Over his last 10 games, He's hit .463 (19-for-41) with 13 RBi's. In the Ironpigs recent series against Columbus, Franco went 6-for-12 with six runs batted in.
Though the 22-year-old third baseman is hot at the plate, he will need to draw more walks to be effective at the Major League level. In Triple-A this year, Franco has struck out 25 times and walked just eight times. In his limited time with the Phillies last season, he hit .179 (10-for-56) with 13 strikeouts and one walk. Patience at the plate will be key for the young corner infielder, who is likely in Philadelphia to stay.
Defensively, there's no questioning the Phillies will be getting an upgrade with Franco's glove. As he will make his debut tonight at the hot corner in 2015, Cody Asche continues to work at Triple-A in left field. Both could be on the field for the big league club by the end of the month.
Update: The Phillies made a corresponding roster move to make room for Maikel Franco, outrighting Dustin McGowan to Triple-A. He went 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA (9ER in 14IP) for the Phillies in 10 games, one start.
Phillies have outrighted RHP Dustin McGowan to Lehigh Valley (AAA). They now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) May 15, 2015
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
