Angels acquire Nick Franklin from Brewers - MLB

The Angels acquired utility infielder/outfielder Nick Franklin from the Brewers on Friday, per team announcements. The Brewers will receive cash considerations or a player to be named later. Franklin was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Tuesday to accommodate the return of Ryan Braun and Jonathan Villar.

While Franklin showed promise after breaking out with the Rays last season, carrying a .270/.328/.443 batting line with 17 extra-base hits over a 60-game stretch, he returned to his sub-Mendoza Line standard in 2017. He was claimed off waivers by the Brewers following an impressive display in spring training, but couldn’t replicate those results during the regular season. Over 89 plate appearances in Milwaukee, Franklin slashed .195/.258/.317 with five extra bases, racking up just two home runs and a .575 OPS in 53 games.

The Angels have yet to announce a corresponding move for their new utility player, who has run out of options and will be placed on the active roster. They’re still waiting on the return of reigning AL MVP Mike Trout, who underwent thumb surgery last month and is scheduled to take batting practice before Friday’s series opener against the Mariners.

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.

Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.

He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.

Hoskins, a free agent at the end of the season who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

The injury was another blow for the Phillies, who will be without top pitching prospect Andrew Painter for another few weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. And slugger Bryce Harper isn’t expected back until around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.