Maikel Franco finds himself in new territory.
Franco will hit seventh and serve as the Phillies' designated hitter Thursday in their series finale with the Rangers. It will be the first time Franco will DH in his career. And Franco has had just eight plate-apperances in his career batting seventh.
Andres Blanco will play third base and he's batting fifth, behind Tommy Joseph.
Franco has a hit in his last four games, including an RBI single in the ninth inning of the Phillies' 9-3 loss to Texas. In May, the 24-year-old is hitting .213 with one home run and five RBIs. He has nine strikeouts in 47 at-bats this month but hasn't struck out in his last five games.
Nick Pivetta is on the hill for the Phillies. He will likely be sent back to Triple A Lehigh Valley sometime before Sunday when Aaron Nola is expected to return from the disabled list.
Here is the Phillies' full lineup.
Philadelphia Phillies
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1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Odubel Herrera, CF
3. Aaron Altherr, LF
4. Tommy Joseph, 1B
5. Andres Blanco
6. Michael Saunders, RF
7. Maikel Franco, DH
8. Andrew Knapp, C
9. Freddy Galvis, SS
P: Nick Pivetta
And the Rangers' lineup:
1. Shin-Soo Choo, DH
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Nomar Mazara, RF
4. Robinson Chirinos, C
5. Rougned Odor, 2B
6. Ryan Rua, 1B
7. Joey Gallo, 3B
8. Jared Hoying CF
9. Delino DeShields Jr., LF
For more on today's game, check out Steven Tydings' game notes.
