He's back. And just in time.
After missing three games with a mild right knee sprain, Maikel Franco returns to the lineup tonight and will bat third.
The Phillies have scored just five runs in their last two games, while giving up 18 runs. The team needs all the offense it can get and, even if Franco has been slumping, he is one of a handful of players that can give the Phillies some much needed power.
Franco replaces Andres Blanco in the lineup, who was 1 for 3 with a walk in Wednesday's loss. The Phillies' 1-4 hitters managed just seven hits during Franco's three-game absence.
Pete Mackanin is throwing out a new corner oufield pairing, too. Jimmy Paredes will man right field and Tyler Goeddel will play left, replacing Cody Asche, who went 3 for 4 with a home run and two doubles in Wednesday's loss.
After going 0 for 4 last night, Carlos Ruiz will sit in favor of Cameron Rupp, who will bat in the five-hole.
Here is tonight's full lineup:
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1. Odubel Herrera CF
2. Freddy Galvis SS
3. Maikel Franco 3B
4. Tommy Joseph 1B
5. Cameron Rupp C
6. Jimmy Paredes RF
7. Tyler Goeddel LF
8. Cesar Hernandez 2B
9. Aaron Nola P
