Kelvin Gutierrez Optioned, Maikel Franco Back Soon?
3 years agoThe 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.
Source: MLB.com - Joe Trezza
Source: MLB.com - Joe Trezza