NEW YORK – Shortstop wanderer Franco is on a 10-day disabled list after missing two months with the Tampa Bay Rays because of a hemat problem in his right arm that required surgery.
The 21-year-old Dominican was second in the batting order in Friday night’s game, the first of the series against American League East-leading New York Yankees.
On the first pitch he faced, Franco hit a double and sent the ball into a hole in the right-centre area.
“We are excited to have him back. He is an important part of our club,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “It makes us better in the lineup. It makes us better defensively. We’ll see how it pans out.”
Franco was placed on the disabled list on 10 July. In mid-August, he was sent to Triple-A Durham for a rehab stint, which was called off in the first game when the top prospect felt discomfort in his arm. He resumed his partnership with Durham last Sunday and took 6/11 in three matches.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t feel it. He’s going to feel it,” Cash said. “I don’t think it will last until training next spring. It’s surgery where his bone was removed, so it’s because he’s feeling it a little bit. The important thing is how he can cope.” and how we can help him get through it.” do this”.
Brandon Lowe was happy to have Franco back, with whom he has a double play.
According to Lowe, “It looks like we might have a whole team now.”
Franco agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November after finishing third in the vote for AL Rookie of the Year.
Before the day’s play, Franco had batted at .260, five runs and 23 runs in 58 commitments.
Second-placed Tampa Bay nearly released Taiwan infielder Yu Chang and sent Venezuelan right-hander Yoni Chirinos to Triple-A Durham.
The Chirinos will remain with the Rays roster as a member of a group of substitute players that will alternate between a Major League club and a Triple-A affiliate.
Cash said in reference to Chang that “everything we asked of him he did.” “I think he’s reached every defensive game. He’s got a big hit.”
