Seattle Mariners top 100 prospect, Nick Franklin, was called up on Monday. Franklin, a middle infielder, is expected to play second base in place of Dustin Ackley, who was hitting just .205/.266/.516 with one home run on the season.
Fantasy Play: Franklin comes with top 100 status regardless of publication and has been spotted in the top 45 into this season. Though a shortstop in the minors, Franklin’s range has been doubted over the years and he will shift over to second base at the major league level, which should help his questionable defensive tag.
For the Mariners, it’s a definitive upgrade over Ackley, who was offering literally no upside at the plate all year. For fantasy owners, Franklin is worth a look as a backup middle-infielder in mixed leagues. The confident prospect has a ceiling of being an All Star one day, but plays in a pitcher’s park. He should still be able to steal a bag and hit one out once in awhile.
