The Philadelphia Phillies are in dire need of a savior. The team has struggled mightily all season, and has fallen into last place in the N.L. East. There isn’t much hope on the horizon for the Phillies, except when it comes to prospect Maikel Franco.
Franco received his second MLB call-up on Friday, and this time he expects to stick with the major-league club. His first promotion to the big league’s was during September roster expansion of the 2014 season. Franco only hit .179 during his 58 at bats, but he was still viewed as the Phillies third baseman of the future.
It seems as if the sample size of MLB action has done Franco some good. The 2015 season has seen him slaughter AAA pitching, as he sports a .355 average to go along with four home runs. Franco has been a notoriously slow starter at the minor league level, so this level of production so early is a very encouraging sign.
The Phillies believe heavily in Franco. They optioned opening day third baseman, Cody Asche, to AAA so he could transition into an outfield role, leaving the major league door wide open for Franco.
“This was a baseball decision based on Miakel’s development and performance,” Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. stated to the media. “We believe he is ready for the next step.”
There isn’t a lot to be excited for in Philadelphia lately. Hopefully, Franco can help jump-start the Phillies, and be the savior the team needs.