Maikel Franco Fantasy Stats

The Atlanta Braves have signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a minor league deal. The 29-year-old corner infielder was released by the Baltimore Orioles in late August. He hit .210/.253/.355 with 11 homers and 47 RBI during his time with the O's. This isn't a huge signing for the Braves, but does give them depth. Franco has some pop in his bat and is capable of being a 20-25 home run player. The Braves are willing to take the risk, especially on a minor league deal. It's uncertain when or if he'll actually join the Braves active roster. Fantasy managers can go ahead and ignore Franco. He'll be a bench bat, assuming he ever gets to play for the Braves.

The Baltimore Orioles designated third baseman Maikel Franco for assignment on Monday. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal after a very productive 2020 season, but slashed just .210/.253/.355 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI over 403 plate appearances. The O's number 18 prospect second baseman Jahmai Jones was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. The 24-year-old hasn't fared much better, slashing .238/.329/.417 with 10 HR, 35 RBI, and 10 stolen bases over 290 plate appearances. However, this set of moves will give the O's the opportunity to evaluate Jones.Infielder Richie Martin and pitcher Conner Greene were also optioned to Triple-A Norfolk as well. All in all, there aren't many fantasy implications in these moves.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Ramon Urias will play third and bat seventh in his place. Franco hasn't been able to replicate what he did in 2020, when he put up a .778 OPS, slashing .214/.258/.363 with 11 HRs, 47 RBI, and 31 runs in 101 games this year. He doesn't have significance in most formats, but can be a factor in AL-only leagues. Fantasy managers rostering Franco should adjust their lineup accordingly.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Nationals. Franco lined a second-inning Paolo Espino breaking pitch into the left-field seats for his 10th HR of the season. Franco has hit for some power this season but has been highly disappointing overall, slashing .218/.263/.379 with 44 RBI. At this point, fantasy managers can find other sources of power with better batting averages on the waiver wire.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco returned from the injured list Friday, going 0-for-3 in the 6-1 win over the Nationals. Franco had been out since July 7 with a sprained ankle, but should resume his regular duties at third base now that he has been activated. Franco had a great 2020 season but is slashing just .218/.263/.372 with nine home runs and 42 RBI so far this season. Some of the counting stats are there, but the batting average and slugging percentage don't paint a great fantasy picture for Franco at this time.

The Baltimore Orioles optioned infielder Kelvin Gutierrez to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, which could indicate that third baseman Maikel Franco (ankle) is nearing a return from the injured list. Gutierrez had been splitting time at the hot corner with Domingo Leyba, but he had just four hits in 23 at-bats (.174) with no homers and nine strikeouts after slashing .215/.254/.296 with a homer and eight RBI in 38 games earlier this year with the Kansas City Royals. Franco has been out since July 7 with a sprained ankle, but he should return to regular duties at third base when he's activated. The 28-year-old still has useful pop in deeper leagues with nine home runs, but he's also batting just .221 with an uninspiring .265 on-base percentage for the lowly Orioles.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco (ankle) is feeling good and progressing after being placed on the injured list in late June with a right ankle sprain. Franco has been taking ground balls and playing catch with the team. Manager Brandon Hyde expects him to make a few rehab starts "somewhere" before returning to the O's, but did not specify when that may happen. Franco has been a disappointing fantasy player this season, slashing .221/.265/.376 with nine home runs and 42 RBI.

The Baltimore Orioles placed third baseman Maikel Franco (ankle) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a sprained ankle and recalled infielder Kelvin Gutierrez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Franco sprained his ankle last Wednesday and tried to get back into the lineup on Tuesday before getting scratched. The 28-year-old has provided modest power (nine home runs) this year but not much else for fantasy managers. Gutierrez was acquired in a trade from the Kansas City Royals last weekend and was hitting just .215/.254/.296 with a home run and eight RBI in 135 at-bats with the Royals before getting traded. He'll provide infield depth and could split time with Domingo Leyba at the hot corner. Leyba is starting at third and hitting eighth on Wednesday against Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin-Ryu.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco (ankle) has been scratched from the starting lineup on Tuesday. Franco was trying to play for the first time since last Wednesday. In his stead, Domingo Leyba will start at third base and bat ninth against Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Steven Matz. Franco could be looking at a stint on the injured list now, so fantasy managers in deep mixed and AL-only leagues need to make alternate plans for the week. The 28-year-old is slashing .221/.265/.376 with nine home runs, 27 runs and 42 RBI on the season. Leyba isn't a recommended DFS lottery ticket with just four hits (one homer) in 47 at-bats (.085) in 20 games with the Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Maikel Franco (ankle) wasn't in the lineup once again on Sunday for the series finale against the Angels. Franco tweaked his ankle on Wednesday against the Houston Astros and hasn't made an appearance since. The 28-year-old is considered day-to-day, and with the birds getting the day off on Monday, there is still a chance he could be active for Tuesday's home opener against the Blue Jays. Domingo Leyba has been holding things down at the hotbox, while Pat Valaika made appearances in the starting lineup during Franco's absence.