Writer: Brandon Apter
Maikel Franco exits early with ankle injury, expects to play Friday
Published25 May 2016
By: Brandon Apter, contributor 
This afternoon, the Phillies salvaged a game from their three-game set with the Tigers, 8-5. Odubel Herrera's three-run homer powered a Phillies offense that managed just three hits against Justin Verlander on Tuesday night. The win did have a scary moment though.
In the top of the seventh inning, Tommy Joseph hit a sacrifice fly that scored Freddy Galvis. An errant throw by Cameron Maybin allowed Maikel Franco, who singled earlier in the inning, to advance to second. He slid awkwardly into the base and was limping afterwards.
Franco was pulled from the game with what now has been reported as a "mild" ankle sprain.
Regarding the severity of Franco's ankle sprain, it's being called "mild." #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 25, 2016
Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that the third baseman intends to be in the lineup when the team starts a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs.
Maikel Franco said he expects to play on Friday.
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) May 25, 2016
Franco has hit the ball better over the last eight games, raising his average from .242 to .260.
