Maikel Franco, who's dealing with inconsistency issues in his sophomore season, finds himself in an unfamiliar spot in the order in the Phillies' finale today against Atlanta.
Franco has moved up to the two-hole for just the eighth game in his young career. The third baseman generally bats either third or fourth in the lineup.
After going 4 for 5 with three doubles and an RBI in the Phils' 6-4 loss to the Braves on Saturday night, Franco will not be in a run-producing spot hitting second.
Still, if leadoff man Cesar Hernandez can get on base against Braves starter Julio Teheran, Franco could drive in some runs today. In his career, he's 8 for 30 with two doubles and three RBIs batting in the two-hole.
In other notable lineup notes, Tommy Joseph starts at first and bats third; Cameron Rupp hits cleanup, Aaron Altherr starts in center and Odubel Herrera gets the day off.
Here is the Phillies' full lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Maikel Franco, 3B
3. Tommy Joseph, 1B
4. Cameron Rupp, C
5. Darin Ruf, LF
6. Freddy Galvis, SS
7. Aaron Altherr, CF
8. Peter Bourjos, RF
9. Jake Thompson, P
Philadelphia Phillies
Complete coverage of the Fightin' Phils and their MLB rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
For more on today's game, check out Steven Tydings' game notes.
