Nationals unconditionally release Maikel Franco

On the day Washington called up its top pitching prospect, Cade Cavalli, the team unconditionally released infielder Maikel Franco. Coincidentally, Franco’s release occurred on his 30th birthday.

The Nationals released Franco, making room to activate 22-year infielder Luis Garcia from the 10-day injured list.

Franco signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals this offseason to compete for a bench spot. However, he became the everyday third baseman after Carter Kieboom had Tommy John surgery.

But Franco regressed as the season went on. He hit .163/.163/.225 with one home run, one RBI and 12 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances. He failed to hit .200 in July and August.

Meanwhile, veteran Ildemaro Vargas, who signed a minor-league deal in May after a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs, has emerged since being called up Aug. 2. Vargas, 31, entered Friday hitting .317/.354/.450 with two home runs, six RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts in 65 plate appearances.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez called releasing Franco “tough,” but the team wants to continue to see Vargas.

“It was tough. I love the guy. He was unbelievable… teammate. He did everything. We felt like we’re going in another direction. We like the way Vargas has been playing,” Martinez said, per Jessica Camerato of MLB.com.

In all, Franco hit .229/.255/.342 with nine home runs, 39 RBI while drawing 12 walks and striking out 75 times in 388 plate appearances this season.

Franco played his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent 2020 with the Kansas City Royals and 2021 with the Baltimore Orioles.