ST. PETERBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco He will resume his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham Sunday.
Franco was placed on the injured list July 10. He had a right-hamate bone injury and required surgery. Franco played for Durham in mid-August, but was unable to continue because of hand soreness.
Franco, 21 years old, will likely spend next week playing for Durham. On-field batting practice was conducted by Franco from a pitching device on Friday and Saturday.
Franco, speaking through a translator, said that “this is definitely the best I’ve felt since my injury” and hoped to continue this feeling after the Rays play. New York Yankees Saturday night I said, “Yesterday was a long day. We wanted to know how I feel today.”
Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay manager said Franco’s feeling is “probably most important.”
Franco missed 23 games this year due to strained quadriceps. Franco has a.260 overall average and five homers, along with 23 RBI in 58 games.
Franco signed a $182 million 11-year contract in November. It also includes a club option for 2033. If the club option is taken, the deal could be worth as much as $223 million.
Franco hit.288 last year with 18 doubles, seven triples, seven homers, and 39 RBI in 70 games. Franco finished third in the American League’s Rookie of Year voting.