‘Electric’ rookie in Franco of Rays

As advertised, rookie Wander Franco got off to a tremendous start for the Tampa Bay Rays with his production — and prediction.

Franco hit a threerun homer and doubled in his big league debut Tuesday night for the Rays, who lost their seventh straight in falling at home to the Boston Red Sox 95 in 11 innings Tuesday night.

The 20yearold Franco, considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, connected in the fifth off Eduardo Rodriguez and drew his first curtain call in the majors.

“In that atbat I actually knew I was going to hit a home run because that was the pitch I was looking for,” Franco said through an interpreter. “I ended up getting the pitch that I was looking for and I was able to help the team out.”

Franco pointed toward his father, who was at the game, while crossing the plate. He got the ball back and plans to display it at his home in the Dominican Republic.

“I felt super good,” Franco said through an interpreter. “God sent me a surprise with all this.”

Praised Rays manager Kevin Cash: “Pretty electric player.”

“Win or loss, we’re trying to win them all obviously, but it had to be a great day for Wander and his family,” Cash said. “A talented player that’s going to be fun to watch in the coming months.”

Franco doubled in the seventh and finished 2 for 4 with a walk. The switchhitting infielder came up with one out and a runner on first in the ninth but grounded out.

“What a good player he is,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “The way he controls the atbat for how young he is. They have a special one.” Alonso back in Derby: The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso will defend his Home Run Derby title at Coors Field on July 12, but there will be no rematch with Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Alonso made his announcement on his Instagram page. He joins Japanese twoway sensation Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels in the derby, held the night before the AllStar Game.

Alonso won the derby at Cleveland’s Progressive Field in 2019, the last time it was held, by defeating Guerrero 2322 in the final round.

Guerrero, who shared the MLB home run lead with Ohtani heading into Wednesday’s play, said he wants to get some rest during the break.

Civale out for weeks: Indians pitcher Aaron Civale will miss more than one month with a sprained right finger, the latest blow to Cleveland’s injuryravaged rotation.

Civale, who is tied for the majorleague lead with 10 wins, injured his middle finger in a start against the Chicago Cubs on Monday. He underwent an MRI and was examined by Dr. Thomas Graham in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday.

The Indians said Civale will be shut down for up to two weeks and the righthander will miss between four to five weeks of game activity.