Al East Notes: Franco, Orioles, Elias, Red Sox

Franco’s walk He left today’s match after making his first appearance on the board, because of what happened rays Described as discomfort in the right hand and wrist shortstop. Franco has already been disqualified from Sunday’s game and is scheduled to see a doctor on Monday when Rays gets home from a road trip.

The situation doesn’t look promising, as even if Franco avoids a serious injury, another trip to the casualty list could be tempting if Rays’ side are to be careful with the young star. The All-Star break could play a role in Tampa Bay’s decision, as Franco’s absence of at least 10 days due to the league-wide break could be partially accommodated in the table. Franco had already missed four weeks due to a quad strain, and he wasn’t particularly productive in the weeks leading up to his last IL placement as he was trying to play through the injury. Since returning from the injured list, Franco has scored success in 11 of his 13 games, but with only 0.634 OPS over 56 games. [UPDATE: Manager Kevin Cash told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times and other reporters that Franco seems to have suffered a hamate bone injury, which usually requires 4-6 weeks of recovery time.]

More around the east…

• Today’s victory over the angels extended OriolesA winning streak in seven games, Timor now has a 42-44 record. After years of rebuilding, the O may seem a little ahead of schedule, as they find themselves on the outskirts of a wild card hunt. However, General Manager Mike Elias did not introduce reporters (including Roche Kobatko from MASNsports.comAny hint that the team is planning to add rather than subtract on the trade deadline, just say so.”Everything I do or what we do has trade-offs, and all I can say is, we do everything from a very global and very thoughtful perspective on what is the right thing to do for the health of the Oriole franchise…. I think we are waiting for a lot of good things in the next few years, and I’m very pleased that now through this period of playing that kind of reflects clearly to our fans. “
• Elias also noted that the front office was more focused on the upcoming amateur draft than on trade possibilities, and that Orioles They consider five players for the first overall selection.
• At this point, the red socks are planning to beCautious buyersOn the deadline, a source said Peter Abraham from The Boston Globe. The Sox 45-39 holds the second AL wild card position, although a wild card is likely the best they can do, given how the Yankees have escaped with the division. However, Abraham notes that the Red Sox have a very tough schedule for the rest of July, which could affect their situation to the point that the Sox might consider selling if they delay in the post-season race.