Phillies Promote Maikel Franco From Triple-A

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- There will be a buzz around Citizens Bank Park Friday night when the Phillies open a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

22-year-old third baseman Maikel Franco is expected to be in the starting lineup, after being recalled from Triple-A on Friday morning.

"This was a baseball decision based on Maikel's development and performance," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We believe he is ready for the next step."

Franco has been the Phillies' top prospect for multiple years now. In Lehigh Valley this season, Franco hit .355 with 12 doubles, four home runs, and 24 RBI's.

Earlier in the week, the Phillies sent Cody Asche to Triple-A, as he plans to transition to left-field. Another roster move will be made on Friday in order to make room for Franco on the 25-man roster.