After X-rays originally revealed a contusion, a more recent MRI showed a fracture of Franco’s ulnar styloid, a small bone on the outside of his left wrist, according to general manager Ruben Amaro.
Advertisement
To fill Franco’s spot on the roster, the Phillies recalled outfielder Aaron Altherr from Triple A. 293 with 14 home runs and a. 854 OPS in 111 games between Lehigh Valley and Double A Reading this season, is expected to be worked into the outfield rotation, with the ability to play centerfield.
Franco was hit by a pitch on his left wrist last Tuesday at Arizona.
Altherr, 24, was a ninth-round draft choice of the Phils in 2009.
“That isn’t one of the things we want to do, but under the circumstances, it’s the best way to keep him in the lineup”, Mackanin said of Hernandez. He missed the next four games. It’s a tough development for the 22-year-old Franco, who is in the midst of a breakout rookie campaign, slashing.277/.340/.490 with 13 homers and 48 RBI in 77 games.
“All I can really say about that is we’ll continue to be open-minded”, Amaro said. The Phillies are no where near contention and have no reason to risk any further injury. Had a nice start to the season and since he’s been in Triple-A he’s played very good baseball. He’s got a lot of confidence in himself right now, both offensively and defensively.
Advertisement
With Franco out for the foreseeable future, it will help Mackanin get Chase Utley in the lineup since Hernandez will be able to get playing time at third base. Amaro expects Alfaro will be able to participate at some point during fall instructional league and play in winter ball. “I think (Tuesday) he did some blocking drills”.
