Maikel Franco leaves game with wrist injury
PITTSBURGH - Maikel Franco was hit by a pitch on Friday night in the same spot where a fastball hit him last season and fractured his left wrist.
The Phillies are hopeful that is not the case this time. Franco had X-rays after the 4-0 win and the team said the X-rays were negative. Manager Pete Mackanin said Franco "should be fine."
It is worth noting that it took the Phillies a week last season to learn that Franco's wrist was fractured because initial X-rays were negative. The injury cost Franco 45 games.
"When the ball hit, I couldn't feel my wrist," Franco said. "I couldn't feel my hand or my fingers. I was really worried about it."
He was hit by a 96-mph fastball in the first inning and collapsed initially to the ground, writhing in pain. He was checked out by the team's trainer, but remained in the game. He was removed in the fourth after he told Mackanin that it was bothering him. Mackanin said the wrist was not swollen.
Franco said he is unsure if he will be able to play on Saturday. He will have to see how the wrist - which was wrapped up - feels in the morning.
"I'm not worried about it right now," Franco said.