Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Philadelphia Phillies have recalled third baseman Maikel Franco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The 22-year-old Franco is expected to be in the starting lineup Friday as the Phillies welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to town to begin a three-game series.
"This was a baseball decision based on Maikel's development and performance," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We believe he is ready for the next step."
Franco hit .355 with 12 doubles, four home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games with Lehigh Valley this season.
The third baseman had a brief stint with the Phillies at the end of last year as a September call-up. He went 10-for-56 with two doubles and five RBI in 16 games.
Because Franco spent 40 days in the minor leagues this season, he will become eligible for free agency following the 2021 season. He'd have been eligible for free agency following the '20 campaign if he would have made the Opening Day roster or been called up earlier this year.
On Monday, the Phillies optioned Cody Asche to Triple-A to learn left field, creating a spot for Franco in the majors.
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