The Washington Nationals released former Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco Friday, leaving both his short and long-term MLB future in doubt.
Unfortunately, the move came on Franco’s 30th birthday, as he was jettisoned to open a roster spot for second baseman Luis García, who the team reinstated from the injured list.
Franco had slashed just .229/.255/.342 with nine home runs, 39 RBIs, a .597 OPS and an unsightly -0.8 fWAR. At 42-84, the only thing that the Nationals have to gain the rest of the season is figuring out what young players in their organization could be contributors the next time the franchise is ready to contend.