Braves drop Franco but want him back

[braves guru]

Julio Franco was designated for assignment by the Braves on Wednesday, but that doesn't necessarily mean the popular first baseman's playing career with the Braves is over. If he makes it through waivers without being claimed by another team in 72 hours, the Braves would like the 48-year-old to stay with them either as a player or player-coach in the minor leagues. Franco could then be brought back to the big-league team when rosters are expanded in September. But he won't be playing much first base now that the Braves have Mark Teixeira, the switch-hitting slugger they got in a seven-player trade with Texas on Tuesday.

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