The Phillies traded infielder/outfielder John Mayberry Jr. just in time for the August 31 deadline. That move not only helps clear playing time for players on the Phillies already-crowded roster, but also clears a 40-man roster spot that could go to a September call-up. According to a report, Maikel Franco will be one of those who join the Phillies.
Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Franco will head to Atlanta in time for game two of the Phillies-Braves series, and even may start:
The Phillies will promote prospect Maikel Franco, two sources said, to make him the team's youngest position player since Jimmy Rollins debuted in 2000. Franco, 22, could start Tuesday at Turner Field against Braves lefthander Mike Minor.
The Dominican infielder is expected to be among five September call-ups. Those players were to be notified Monday afternoon after triple-A Lehigh Valley's season finale in Scranton. Franco started that game and doubled in the first inning.
Franco's right-handed bat may come in handy against the lefty Minor. The Phillies could use Darin Ruf in left field and Franco at third base in place of Domonic Brown and Cody Asche, respectively. However, left-handed batters are hitting .352 in over 100 at bats against Minor this season.
Other potential players to join the Phillies and could play: infielder Cesar Hernandez, catcher Camerone Rupp, and relievers Mike Adams and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Relievers Luis Garcia, Hector Neris, B.J. Rosenberg, Ethan Martinand Phillippe Aumont all occupy 40-man roster spots, but it would be unlikely that all of them are added to the Phillies bullpen. Perhaps someone who could factor into the Phillies' future like Rosenberg or Martin could be added.
Adams is on the 60-day disabled list and not currently on the 40-man roster, but the Phillies could move Cliff Lee to the 60-day to compensate.
This could be the end for Phillippe Aumont. If the Phillies choose not to promote Aumont for September, it may be the opportune time to outright Aumont off of the 40-man roster. With other teams adding players to the roster he may go unclaimed and remain Phillies property.
Franco had to be added to the Phillies 40-man roster this offseason, anyway, to avoid being claimed in the Rule 5 draft. AAA Lehigh Valley closes their season today in Scranton-Wilkes Barre against Yankees affiliate the Rail Riders.
