PT TOMORROW: NL East - Hot corner options in Washington

Washington Nationals

Maikel Franco (3B, WAS) started in each of the Nats’ first five games and contributed a 5-for-18 line with a HR and 5 RBI through Monday. Franco is filling in for Carter Kieboom (3B, WAS) while the youngster recovers from a strained right UCL. In a worst-case scenario, Kieboom’s condition could result in Tommy John surgery, which would torpedo his 2022 season. Where could the the Nationals turn if that does come to pass?

Franco is the most likely answer—a seasoned veteran with an uneven, but occasionally productive, career. Though the most recent version was represented by a .210/.253/.355 slash line in 104 G in Baltimore in 2021, he did have a respectable .278/.321/.457 line with 8 HR while playing in every game in...

Almost!

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