Maikel Franco has been the biggest bright spot in another rough season for the Phillies, but now the rookie third baseman is headed to the disabled list with what the team is calling a “small, non-displaced fracture” of his left wrist.
Franco remained on the active roster for an entire week while hoping to play through what was initially called a bruise, but further examination revealed a much more serious problem and he was placed on the DL.
Philadelphia has turned to Cesar Hernandez and Andres Blanco as the fill-ins at third base and Franco’s fantastic rookie season is on hold after he hit .277 with 13 homers, 22 doubles, and an .830 OPS in 77 games as a 22-year-old.
On a related note: Chase Utley is in the lineup at second base after general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said this morning that he’s unlikely to be traded.