ST. PETERSBURG — Wander Franco, out since May 31 with a right quadriceps injury, was reinstated Sunday, batting second and playing shortstop against the Pirates at Tropicana Field.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Franco had been playing hurt for a few weeks before the team decided to let him completely heal. Franco, who had rehabilitation stints at Single-A Charlotte and Triple-A Durham last week and hit .375 (6-for-16) over five games, said he’s ready to go.
“It was frustrating for me because it was the first time in my career that I’ve been [injured] for so long,’’ Franco said through team interpreter Manny Navarro. “I just have to make sure my pregame routine is better and make sure I warm up and get ready for the game.
“I’m just focusing on working with the trainers, listening to them and focusing on the lower half and my legs. I just want to stick to the same routine. That’s my goal. When someone plays in pain, they play a little different, but I am better now. I was very frustrated.’’
Franco was enthusiastically greeted by teammates in the Rays’ clubhouse. The Rays were 11-12 in Franco’s absence while dropping from six games back in the American League East standings to 12 1/2 games behind the Yankees heading into Sunday’s contest.
Franco is batting .270 with four home runs and 19 RBIs, but he hit just .150 in his past 17 games after a .331 start.
“It’s a big boost,’’ Rays pitcher Shane Baz said. “Everybody knows how special that guy is and what he can bring to this team. The last few games, you saw how we don’t quit and we play until the last pitch. That’s going to help us a lot, and getting Wander back will help even more.’’
To make room for Franco, the Rays sent infielder Jonathan Aranda to Triple-A Durham.