Wander Franco has “no structural damage” following Rays medical review

Baseball’s top prospect Wander Franco does not have structural damage in his arm after a stateside medical review. This was announced by the Rays and Franco’s Dominican Winter League team.

Confirmation by the Rays came first courtesy of Marc Topkin:

#Rays say “no structural injury and no long-term concerns” with Wander Franco’s shoulder/biceps issue but he won’t play anymore winter ball with Escogido so as to be ready for 2021

Neil Solondz followed with confirmation that Franco is, “expected to be fully ready for Spring Training.”

Previously: Wander Franco leaves Dominican Winter League after biceps injury

It is surely disappointing for player and club that there will be no more winter Wanderland, but overall this is a welcomed update for Rays fans, particularly following the news that 2020 first round draft pick Nick Bitsko will require labrum surgery.

The most important development here, though, is that hashtag. Where did he get his medical performed, Big Cat Rescue? Will he be on the Rays road tour at ZooTampa? Is he ready to be inundated with Lion King memes?

Something admittedly might have been lost in translation since he’s not called a lion cub there, but it’s too late, there’s no going back! He might be a baby now, given his prospect status, but we look forward to him taking on the legacy of Rays greats before him and becoming the next Lion of Tampa Bay in 2021.

Get well soon, #BabyLion!