While Phillies fans have been treated to watching their young players play in recent weeks, they have been without their best hitter, Maikel Franco. Since breaking his wrist getting hit by a pitch the Phillies have had to rely on Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr to bat third in the Phillies lineup. It would be nice to see the Phillies lineup all together before the seasons end. Today the Phillies will find out whether or not they will get a chance.
Franco told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, that he would give his wrist one more test today that would decide whether or not he plays in 2015:
He said Tuesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park that he will hit off the practice tee on Wednesday. Franco has been on the disabled list since Aug. 12 because of a broken left wrist. He said if he feels something in the wrist he expects his season to be finished.
A reports out of the Dominican Republic today indicated that Franco will play for Los Gigantes del Cibao, a Dominican Winter League team.
Franco told Calle 56 out of de San Francisco de Macoris that he was grateful for this past season and thinks playing in the winter is important to his development (translation mine):
"I'm working hard to return to the field this season; I'm doing things I should and am very happy for everything that has happened to me this season."
"It is very important to play in the winter. If you take it seriously, it is one of the most positive things that have happened to me….it allowed me to learn and move forward and get here [to the Major Leagues]".
For Franco, playing in the Dominican Republic gives him an opportunity to play before his home country.
Phillies fans certainly would love to see the fully-functioning young lineup before the season ends. But Franco's long-term health is much more important for the young Phillies. The young Phillies lineup with Franco showed plenty of flashes of brilliance that create a considerable amount of excitement for the future.
