Maikel Franco (3B, PHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco has had a rough 2018 season, making it difficult for fantasy managers to maintain their loyalty. The hope is that his production the last couple of weeks is indicative of the maturation that is more friendly and enticing to fantasy baseball managers. In the last two weeks, Franco is hitting .323 with five doubles and a homer. Over the last week he is even better; he is hitting .462 with a run scored and two RBI.

He continues to work on his plate discipline and has reduced his K% to 14.1. Franco has also improved his swinging strikes to a career best 10.3%. Unfortunately, he also has a 27.8% hard hit rate; however, that percentage is 38.5 over the last 14 days. While there does seem to be some improvements in Franco’s performance at the plate recently, he is more of a selection with focus on quantity in lieu of quality.

Franco has a full slate of games this week, including a potential for a double-header on Monday. Despite the entire week on the road, he does have favorable matchups against the Mets, Marlins and a game against the Orioles. Sit him in his one game against a lefty, as he is only hitting .074 against left-handed pitchers on the road.