Rays rookie INF Wander Franco returns from hamstring injury
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay Rays rookie Wander Franco was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Friday after missing two weeks with a right hamstring injury.
The AL East-leading Rays, who started a three-game series with Miami on Friday night, clinched a postseason spot on Thursday.
Franco was second in the lineup and starting at shortstop.
“Actually I feel like it’s my debut,” Franco said through an interpreter. “It’s similar to that feeling. So, I’m ready to help the team win.”
Franco extended his on-base streak to 39 games, then exited in the first inning against Detroit on Sept. 10.
With one out, Franco lined a single. Nelson Cruz followed with a double, but Franco limped into third. After being examined by team trainers, Franco left the game and was replaced at shortstop by Joey Wendle.
The 20-year-old Franco’s on-base stretch is the second-longest in major league history by a player under 21. Frank Robinson set the record with a 43-game string in 1956.
Franco started at shortstop in a minor league game Thursday with Triple-A Durham.