Maikel Franco to start vs. Yankees

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Maikel Franco will make his first start of spring training on Wednesday afternoon when the Phillies travel to Tampa to play the New York Yankees.

Franco, 22, will bat fifth and play third base. He played 16 games last season for the Phillies after spending the entire season in triple A. Franco hit .257 with 16 home runs and 78 RBIs with Lehigh Valley. He hit .272 with seven homers and 29 RBIs this winter in the Domincan Republic

Franco is competing for a spot on the opening day roster, but the Phillies could be inclined to keep him in the minors for the season's first two months. If so, his free agency could be delayed until after the 2021 season. A player gains free-agent rights with six full-years of major league service time.

Kevin Slowey will start in place of pitcher Aaron Harang, who is skipping the start due to "maintenance" reasons.

Here's the rest of the lineup:

1. Odubel Herrera, center field

2. Freddy Galvis, shortstop

3. Domonic Brown, right field

4. Ryan Howard, designated hitter

5. Maikel Franco, third base

6. Darin Ruf, first base

7. Grady Sizemore, left field

8. Cord Phelps, second base

9. Tommy Joseph, catcher