ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Wander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, homered for the Tampa Bay Rays in his major league debut, connecting for a three-run drive against Boston on Tuesday night. Called up from Triple-A earlier in the day, Franco's first big league hit was a home run to left field against Eduardo Rodriguez in the fifth inning that tied the game at 5. The rookie raised his right arm as he neared the plate and lifted both arms while crossing the plate to a roaring crowd at Tropicana Field. Franco drew a nice ovation when he went on the field to run pregame, and got a partial standing ovation when the Rays’ lineup was announced over the public-address system. Franco batted second and played third base. The salute grew to full standing ovation with fans in the left-field stands chanting "Wander Franco” as he walked to the plate to bat in the first. After Franco walked on a 3-2 pitch the first time up, he hit a long fly to center... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Wander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, homered for the Tampa Bay Rays in his major league debut, connecting for a three-run drive against Boston on Tuesday night. Called up from Triple-A earlier in the day, Franco's first big league hit was a home run to left field against Eduardo Rodriguez in the fifth inning that tied the game at 5. The rookie raised his right arm as he neared the plate and lifted both arms while crossing the plate to a roaring crowd at Tropicana Field. Franco drew a nice ovation when he went on the field to run pregame, and got a partial standing ovation when the Rays’ lineup was announced over the public-address system. Franco batted second and played third base. The salute grew to full standing ovation with fans in the left-field stands chanting "Wander Franco” as he walked to the plate to bat in the first. After Franco walked on a 3-2 pitch the first time up, he hit a long fly to center... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Wander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, joined the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday and was in the starting lineup at third base against the Boston Red Sox for his major league debut. “It’s still hard to believe,” Franco said through an interpreter. “I feel ready. I’ve waited a long time for this moment. I feel really good about it.” Franco, who hit .315 with seven homers and 35 RBIs in 39 games this season at Triple-A Durham, had his contract from the minor league club. “I want to give 100 percent of what I’ve got and just continue with the work I’ve been doing in hopes that it turns me into a superstar,” Franco said. Rays manager Kevin Cash said Franco will also get playing at time at shortstop and second base. “I think he’s kind of shown everybody he’s ready,” Cash said. “Conquered every level. In fairness, forced our hand.” Boston manager Alex Cora compared the anticipation in the baseball world of Franco’s debut... [More]