3B Franco, recent cornerstone for Phillies, demoted to minors
Philadelphia demoted third baseman Maikel Franco to Triple-a Lehigh Valley after the 26-year-old batted .231 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIS in 102 games.
Once projected as a Phillies cornerstone, Franco appeared in more than 150 games in 2016 — when he had 25 homers and 88 RBIS — and 2017.
The acquisition of former All-star Corey Dickerson left Philadelphia with a glut of outfielders, prompting manager Gabe Kapler to shift Scott Kingery to third base.
Angels: Right-hander Felix Pena (torn right ACL), shortstop Andrelton Simmons (left ankle sprain) and right-hander Griffin Canning (inflamed right elbow) were placed on the 10-day injured list. Pena (8-3, 4.58 ERA), Los Angeles’ wins leader, will miss the rest of the season.
Mets: Second baseman Robinson Cano
(left hamstring strain) left New York’s win at Pittsburgh after his third hit of the game and ninth in his past 15 at-bats and is to have an MRI examination Monday.
Twins: Reliever Sam Dyson (right biceps tendinitis) was placed on the 10-day IL. The 31-year-old right-hander allowed six runs while recording two outs in his first two outings with Minnesota.
Cardinals: Infielder Matt Carpenter (right foot contusion), sidelined for 17 games, was activated despite going 2-for-26 on a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
Cubs: All-star catcher Willson Contreras (right hamstring strain) was placed on the 10day IL and has an MRI exam set for Monday.
Yankees: Center fielder Aaron Hicks (flexor strain in right elbow) became New York’s 16th player on the 10-day IL.