Franco deserving of All-Star consideration
Phillies rookie posting consistent impressive numbers since mid-May promotion
NEW YORK -- Cole Hamels or Jonathan Papelbon remain the favorites to represent the Phillies on the National League All-Star team, but Maikel Franco at least has entered the conversation as a long shot on the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot, as the latest round of NL voting was released Tuesday.
Franco, who set career highs in hits (four), homers (two) and RBIs (five) in a game in Monday's 11-8 victory over the Yankees, drove in five more runs in Tuesday night's 11-6 win over the Yanks -- including a three-run home run and the tiebreaking two-run double in the ninth.
Video: PHI@NYY: Franco hammers a go-ahead double past third
He is hitting .319 with nine doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 29 RBIs in 154 plate appearances since his May 15 promotion from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
• Despite limited action, is Franco #ASGWorthy?
But his late start means it is very unlikely he earns a nod. The NL has had 21 rookie position players make the All-Star team. Phillies outfielder Del Ennis and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper both made the latest debuts of those rookies, playing their first games of the season on April 28, 1946, and April 28, 2012, respectively.
If Franco had enough plate appearances to qualify, he would rank second among NL third basemen in OPS. Only Cincinnati's Todd Frazier (.993) is better.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.
Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.
The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.