Rays invite Franco to Spring Training camp
The defending American League champs will have a big name in their Spring Training camp, and he isn't even out of his teenage years just yet. The Rays have invited top overall prospect Wander Franco to Major League Spring Training as a non-roster player, the club announced Monday. This will
The defending American League champs will have a big name in their Spring Training camp, and he isn't even out of his teenage years just yet.
The Rays have invited top overall prospect Wander Franco to Major League Spring Training as a non-roster player, the club announced Monday.
This will be Franco's second non-roster invitation of his budding career. He also ended the 2020 season as a member of the playoff player pool during Tampa Bay's march to the World Series, though he never did officially crack the roster at any point during the postseason.
The switch-hitting shortstop, who will turn 20 on March 1, was recently named MLB.com's No. 1 overall prospect for the second consecutive season. Franco has drawn raves for his ability to drive the ball from both sides while showing an advanced approach beyond his years. He was last seen in the Minors in 2019, when he was hitting .327/.398/.487 with nine homers and 18 stolen bases in 114 games between Class A and Class A Advanced. He walked 56 times and struck out in only 35 cases over 495 plate appearances that summer. Only Nick Madrigal (2.8) had a better BB/K ratio than Franco's 1.6 in 2019 among Minor Leaguers with at least 400 PA in 2019.
Franco also played five games for Escogido in the Dominican Winter League this offseason, but was shut down early with what was deemed a biceps issue. After running tests, the Rays believed he would be fully recovered for the spring but kept him from returning to LIDOM play as a precaution.
Franco's power is expected to grow as he matures with many evaluators believing that will be a plus tool in time, if it isn't already. The Dominican Republic native is a decent defender at the six right now but could slide over to second or third as he grows older and loses half a step. No matter his spot on the dirt, he has the skills to be a special hitter at the game's top level and will put that on display this spring in Major League camp.
With Willy Adames ahead of him on the depth chart at shortstop, Franco is likely to start the 2021 season at Triple-A, though it's possible he heads to Double-A where he has still yet to see action following the canceled 2020 Minor League campaign.
As things stand, Rays pitchers and catchers are expected to report to the organization's Spring Training facility in Port Charlotte, Florida on Feb. 17 with position players reporting five days later. That could change if Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association come to an agreement to push back the start of the 2021 season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Tampa Bay also announced that first baseman/outfielder Dalton Kelly, infielder Esteban Quiroz and catcher/outfielder Brett Sullivan received non-roster invites Monday. Right-handed pitchers Adrian De Horta and Yacksel Ríos were signed to Minor League contracts that came with their own invites to Major League camp as well.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
RubberDucks announce New Additions to the Extreme Foods in 2025
(AKRON, OHIO) April 2, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the addition of three new items to the Extreme Food Menu for the 2025 season. The WONE Base on (Meat)Balls is hollowed out French Bread layered three times with spicy giardiniera marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and four meatballs topped with
RubberDucks announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
(AKRON, OHIO) February 12, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the 2025 promotional schedule presented by MCA of Akron/UA Local 219, which once again features a theme for all 69 regular season home games. The RubberDucks open the 2025 season at Canal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m.
May 11: Ingle's homer and stellar pitching help Akron down Somerset 2-1
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (21-12) 2, Somerset Patriots (14-19) 1 WP: Trenton Denholm (5-0) LP: Kelly Austin (1-1) Save: N/A Summary Cooper Ingle’s eighth inning two-run home run propelled the Akron RubberDucks to the 2-1 win over the Somerset Patriots on Sunday afternoon at Canal Park.
May 10: Ducks fall 5-0
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Somerset Patriots (14-18) 5, Akron RubberDucks (20-12) 0 WP: Trent Sellers (1-1) LP: Austin Peterson (2-1) Save: N/A Summary The Somerset Patriots shutout the Akron RubberDucks 5-0 on Saturday night at Canal Park. Turning Point Somerset kept Friday’s offensive momentum going on Saturday. Garrett
Rock Entertainment Sports Network to broadcast 15 Akron RubberDucks Games
(AKRON, OHIO) May 5, 2025 – The action of Akron RubberDucks baseball is coming to over-the-air and cable platforms this spring and summer, as Rock Entertainment Sports Network will broadcast 15 games featuring Cleveland Guardians prospects from Canal Park during the 2025 Eastern League season, beginning with Saturday, May 10,
RubberDucks games are live this season on iHeartMedia’s 640 WHLO
(AKRON, OHIO) April 3, 2025 – As the Akron RubberDucks open the 2025 Eastern League season in Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, April 4, their games will return to their radio home, NewsRadio 640 WHLO, continuing a longstanding partnership with iHeartMedia Akron/Canton. RubberDucks games will also be available to stream online
RubberDucks 2025 Single Game tickets are on sale now
(AKRON, OHIO) December 16, 2024 – Single game tickets are now on sale for all 69 Akron RubberDucks regular season home games from April 8-Sept. 7, 2025 at Canal Park. Fans can purchase single game tickets at akronrubberducks.com/tickets or by calling 855-97-QUACK. Single game ticket prices start as low as
RubberDucks to honor Donna Kelce and Stacy Carroll with bobbleheads in 2025
(AKRON, OHIO) March 27, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the mystery bobblehead giveaway presented by MCA of Akron/UA Local 219 on June 7 will be of Cleveland native Donna Kelce, and the mystery bobblehead giveaway presented by Distillata on Aug. 2 will be of actress Stacy Carroll. Kelce graduated
Habitat For Humanity 50/50 Raffle Winning Numbers
Past Winning Numbers for the Habitat For Humanity of Summit County Raffle at Canal Park: - May 11: A-2228182 - May 9: A-4811111 - May 8: A-1706999 - May 7: A-1396720 - May 6: A-7437107 - April 27: A-5564444 - April 26: A-1366689 - April 24: A-1728593 - April 23:
RubberDucks team up with Swensons Drive-In Restaurants to become the Akron Galley Boys for two games this season
(AKRON, OHIO) February 26, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Swensons Drive-In Restaurants announce a partnership for the Akron Galley Boys nights on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. “Much like two great middle infielders make an amazing double play tandem, we are excited to partner with Swensons for
RubberDucks and Luigi’s Restaurant to partner for Akron Cheese Salads night
(AKRON, OHIO) March 18, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Luigi’s Restaurant announce a partnership for the Akron Cheese Salads night on Friday, July 11. “We are thrilled to work together with Luigi’s to make our Akron Cheese Salads night even better,” RubberDucks President and General Manager Jim Pfander said.
Hit the ice with Matt Doherty at Canal Park August 9th for the Hum Goalie Goalie VIP Package
Purchase VIP Package (AKRON, OHIO) February 3, 2025 – Matt Doherty, the actor best known for his role of Lester Averman in The Mighty Ducks franchise, will be at Canal Park on Saturday, August 9. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Doherty that includes a
Strike the Heisman pose with Troy Smith at Canal Park September 6th for the Scarlet & Gray VIP Package
PURCHASE VIP PACKAGE (AKRON, OHIO) March 3, 2025 – Ohio State legend and 2006 Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith will be at Canal Park Saturday, September 6. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Smith that includes a picnic and guaranteed Troy Smith bobblehead presented by
RubberDucks announce multi-million dollar videoboard upgrade at Canal Park
(AKRON, OHIO) April 2, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the completion of a multi-million dollar videoboard upgrade to improve fan experience for the 2025 season. The Canal Park videoboard project was privately funded by Fast Forward Sports Group as part of the more than $14 million of private investments
May 9: Ducks drop seesaw battle to Somerset 7-6 in 11
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Somerset Patriots (13-18) 7, Akron RubberDucks (20-11) 6 WP: Jordany Ventura (1-0) LP: Davis Sharpe (1-3) Save: Harrison Cohen (2) Summary The Somerset Patriots outlast the Akron RubberDucks 7-6 in 11 innings in a game that saw five lead changes on Friday night at
May 8: Akron tosses another shutout, Bazzana picks up three hits in 5-0 win
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (20-10) 5, Somerset Patriots (12-18) 0 WP: Carter Spivey (1-0) LP: Brendan Beck (2-1) Save: N/A
May 7: Ducks blank Patriots 3-0 behind Maltrud's strong start
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (19-10) 3, Somerset Patriots (12-17) 0 WP: Rorik Maltrud (2-1) LP: Cam Schlittler (2-3) Save: Davis Sharpe (2)
May 6: Davenport and Denholm dominate as Ducks defeat Patriots 3-0
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (18-10) 3, Somerset Patriots (12-16) 0 WP: Aaron Davenport (2-0) LP: Bailey Dees (1-2) Save: Trenton Denholm (1)
May 4: Ducks fall 3-2 in Sunday finale
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Altoona Curve (14-13) 3, Akron RubberDucks (17-10) 2 WP: Cam Sanders (1-0) LP: Ross Carver (1-1) Save: N/A Summary The Akron RubberDucks rally back late, but the Altoona Curve walked it off in the bottom of the ninth to win 3-2 on Sunday afternoon
May 3: Mace the ace and Bazzana's bomb help Ducks win 5-3
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (17-9) 5, Altoona Curve (13-13) 3 WP: Tommy Mace (4-2) LP: Cy Nielson (1-2) Save: Davis Sharpe (1) Summary Tommy Mace dominated for six innings and Travis Bazzana homered late to help the Akron RubberDucks defeat the Altoona Curve 5-3 on Saturday
May 2: Ducks fall 6-2 in rain shortened game
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Altoona Curve (13-12) 6, Akron RubberDucks (16-9) 2 WP: Jaden Woods (4-2) LP: Rodney Boone (0-1) Save: Valentin Linarez (1) Summary Cooper Ingle doubled twice, but the Altoona Curve beat the Akron RubberDucks 6-2 in a rain shortened six innings on Friday night at
May 1: Akron tops Altoona 4-2 in afternoon contest
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (16-8) 4, Altoona Curve (12-12) 2 WP: Rorik Maltrud (1-1) LP: Po-Yu Chen (0-2) Save: Jake Miller (1) Summary Rorik Maltrud allowed just one run over six innings and Kahlil Watson picked up three hits as the Akron RubberDucks down the Altoona
April 30: Pitching, power and speed lead Ducks to 6-0 win
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (15-8) 6, Altoona Curve (12-11) 0 WP: Aaron Davenport (1-0) LP: Jarod Bayless (0-1) Save: N/A Summary Aaron Davenport fans five over six innings and Kahlil Watson homers as part of a two-hit day as the Akron RubberDucks shutout the Altoona Curve