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Mackanin hopes Franco plays winter ball

BOSTON -- With Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco hard-pressed to return from a left wrist fracture before the seasons ends, interim manager Pete Mackanin would like to see the 23-year-old play in one of the Caribbean Leagues this winter.

Franco, who is not expected to resume any baseball activities before he is re-evaluated by doctors on Tuesday, should be counted upon heavily in Philadelphia next season. The Dominican slugger has slashed .277/.340/.490 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs in 77 games for the Phillies this year.

"I think it's always good for players to play winter ball.