Rays reinstate Franco from IL after 12-game absence

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was reinstated from the injured list Friday after missing 12 games with right hamstring tightness, the team announced.

The Rays were expected to activate the 20-year-old ahead of their series opener against the Miami Marlins after Franco played in a Triple-A rehab game without issue Thursday.

He returns from the IL with a chance to break Frank Robinson's record for the longest on-base streak by a player under 21. Franco has gotten on base in 39 straight games. Robinson set a 43-game record in 1956.

Former No. 1 overall prospect Franco has played well since making his major-league debut on June 22.

In 62 games with the Rays, he owns a .285/.347/.463 slash line with seven home runs, four triples, 15 doubles, and 36 RBIs.

To make room for Franco on the active roster, the team optioned infielder Taylor Walls to the minors, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin.