Out since the beginning of September with left hand inflammation, Franklin has been sent on a minor-league rehab assignment and is tracking toward rejoining the Baltimore roster before the end of the season. He had gone just 5-for-34 (.147) with a pair of doubles and steals in 16 games for the Orioles before going on the injured list.

Franklin landed on the 10-day injured list one week ago with left hand inflammation, so it's a good sign that he's been cleared to hit again already. It's seems unlikely that he'll be ready for activation when first eligible Friday, but he should return sometime this month if he continues to progress.