The Philadelphia Phillies called up their top prospect Maikel Franco on Friday.
Franco will be the Phillies everyday third baseman. He will replace Cody Asche, who was sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, according to ESPN. The Phillies want to have Asche become a left fielder. By calling up Franco on Friday, the Phillies will retain his rights until 2022 when he can become a free agent.
"This was a baseball decision based on Maikel's development and performance," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "We believe he is ready for the next step."
Franco had been playing for Lehigh Valley. He hit .355 with a .932 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 33 games this season, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He had 12 doubles and 24 RBIs, which led the International League. Last year Franco hit .179 with the Phillies after they called him up in September.
The Phillies have struggled offensively this season. They have a .621 OPS, which is last in the majors, and have hit just 19 homeruns.
Franco should be starting at third base for the Phillies on Friday. The Phillies play the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday night.