TORONTO — The Phillies will be without the services of Maikel Franco on Monday night as they open a two-game interleague series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The third baseman was seen limping after getting caught in a rundown during the fifth inning of Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals.
The 23-year-old remained in the game and led off the ninth inning with his 11th home run of the season.
According to manager Pete Mackanin, Franco is day to day with a mild right knee sprain (see tonight's lineup).
“I didn’t want to chance anything today, so we’ll see how he is [Tuesday],” Mackanin said pregame. “There’s a little bit of swelling. He twisted it or whatever.”
Franco, who missed time last month because of a sprained right ankle, had his knee wrapped up as he spoke to reporters at the Rogers Centre.
“I feel a little bit of pain in my right knee. Other than that, I’m day to day and see what’s going to happen,” he said. “A little bit of swelling. [Sunday] I felt a little bit of pain but today I felt more pain. We’ll see what happens in another day.
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“I don’t feel I can be able to play today, so we’ll figure it out [Tuesday]. When I come in we’ll see if my leg is better and try to be ready.”
Franco is batting .252 with 33 RBIs in 60 games this season.
Velasquez update
The Phillies should have a better idea on a timetable for Vince Velasquez on Tuesday.
The right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list last Friday with a right biceps strain after leaving his June 8 start against the Chicago Cubs just two pitches in.
“He’ll be reevaluated [Tuesday] and then we’ll determine when he’ll start throwing,” Mackanin said. "He’s [in Toronto]. Everything’s in pencil. I’m anxious to see him [Tuesday].”
The 24-year-old is 5-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 12 starts this season.
