Rays second baseman Nick Franklin went 2 for 5 with a double and two runs scored in his season debut on Sunday as his team rolled over the Twins, 11-3.
Franklin is getting a late start to the season after suffering an oblique injury.
"I’m excited to play," Franklin said, per the Tampa Tribune. "When I found out what the MRI showed (after the injury), I prepared myself. It’s been a month and a half — plenty of season left."
Manager Kevin Cash said that Franklin's versatility and switch-hitting ability will be important, but that infielder Logan Forsythe has earned a big role with the team.
"Nick can play second base or shortstop and give some guys an extra day of rest," Cash said. "Logan’s been outstanding, but at the same time, we have to be smart about the workload of some of these guys. Logan’s a big part of what we’re doing."