Rays promote No. 1 MLB prospect Wander Franco for series against Red Sox
The Tampa Bay Rays have lost their last six games, falling behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East. With a three-game series against the division leaders on tap, the Rays have decided it's time to elevate Major League Baseball's top prospect.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays have informed Wander Franco that he will be called up for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox at Tropicana Field.
Franco will be the first-ever Major Leaguer born in the year 2001.
Franco has been ranked as baseball's top prospect in each of the past two seasons. The Athletic's Keith Law praised his "ridiculous hand speed," plate discipline and above-average power projection, suggesting he could be an MVP candidate at his peak.
The 20-year-old is hitting .315/.367/.586 this season with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 39 games for the Triple-A Durham Bulls. He is a shortstop but can also play second and third base.
Rays fans are hoping he'll be the face of the franchise, and they'll get to see if he lives up to the hype beginning this week.
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