Friday was an important date for the Phillies, as that was the day when they could call up top prospect Maikel Franco and get an extra year of control over him.
Franco has been one of the best players in the Phillies farm system, a weak one at that, over the past few years. Franco has started the season off hot in Triple-A, batting .355 with 24 RBIs and four home runs. He is ranked at the 56th best prospect in the minors by Baseball America, and the third best prospect in the Phillies orginization.
To make room for Franco’s promotion, the Phillies optioned third baseman Cody Asche to Triple-A. Asche will attempt to convert to left field, while with the Iron Pigs. He will be called back up to the Phillies once he proves he can be a starting left fielder.
The Philly Sports Blog 