Franco to DL, Altherr promoted

When Maikel Franco got hit on the wrist by a Jeremy Hellickson fastball last Tuesday night, the initial thought was that the rookie phenom would be heading to the disabled list as he gripped his wrist in serious pain.

However, reports began to surface that his wrist injury was not that serious and a stint on the disabled list could potentially be avoided and that he could even be ready to go for the weekend series in Milwaukee.

Franco never saw an at-bat, as the Phillies were swept by the Brewers for the second time this season. The offense managed to score only four runs, and Franco’s absence became pretty apparent.

Fast forward to Tuesday, Aug. 18, and the 22-year-old will not only miss his fifth consecutive game, but he will, indeed, be put on the 15-day disabled list with a wrist fracture and could potentially be out for the rest of the season.

Obviously, Zolecki meant “Maikel Franco,” not some strange Charlie Manuel–Maikel Franco hybrid. The loss of Franco is a huge blow to the Phillies’ young offense. He had only hit .257 in 35 Aug. at-bats, but had posted a .913 OPS and demolished a home run to straight-away center field

in his final game before the injury.

To fill Franco’s roster spot, outfielder Aaron Altherr has been promoted to the majors. The 24-year-old has shown some promise this season, batting .293 with 14 home runs and 67 RBIs in 433 at-bats between double and triple-A. According to MLB Pipeline, Altherr is the Phillies’ 23rd-ranked prospect.