Franco's tests reveal no structural damage

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays received some good news on the injury front on Thursday as tests revealed that top overall prospect Wander Franco does not have any structural damage in his shoulder and biceps area.

Franco, who experienced biceps inflammation and shoulder soreness while playing winter ball with Escogido in the Dominican Republic, flew to St. Petersburg on Tuesday to be examined by Dr. Koco Eaton. The tests all came back clean, removing any long-term injury concerns.

But despite the positive injury news, the Rays won’t take any chances with the 19-year-old phenom, shutting him down for the rest of the Dominican Winter League season. Franco is expected to be 100 percent healthy heading into the 2021 season. It’s unclear if Franco will be invited to big league camp, but he’s expected to play in multiple Spring Training games. Franco has been vocal about wanting to make his debut during the ‘21 season.

Before the injury, Franco was hitting second for Escogido and playing shortstop. Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, Franco showed off his innate ability at the plate, hitting .350 (7-for-20) with one home run and one stolen base. The switch-hitter struck out four times and drew three walks in 23 plate appearances, posting a .435 on-base percentage.

Vidal Brujan, the Rays’ No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has also been a standout for Toros del Este in the DWL, hitting .333 (9-for-27) with four RBIs and four stolen bases.