Milwaukee Brewers designate Nick Franklin for assignment, activate Ryan Braun and Jonathan Villar

During our discussion this morning of how Jonathan Villar fits back into the picture with the Milwaukee Brewers, it was noted that when he and Ryan Braun were officially activated from the disabled list at some point today that an accompanying roster move would need to be made. As was speculated, Villar's return to active duty does indeed mean the end of the line for Nick Franklin:

OF Ryan Braun and 2B Jonathan Villar reinstated from the 10-day DL. INF/OF Nick Franklin designated for assignment. 40-man roster is at 39.

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 27, 2017

The Brewers claimed Franklin, 26, off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on April 5th of this season. The former top prospect didn't fare well in rather irregular duty for the Brewers, as he appeared in 53 games but accrued only 89 plate appearances. He slashed a dismal .195/.258/.317 (49 OPS+) with two homers and two steals. Franklin appeared in games at left field, right field, second base, and shortstop, with most of his action coming in left while Ryan Braun was on the shelf.

Franklin was once considered one of the brighter young talents in the game and has shown flashes of success in the big leagues, so there's a chance that another team will be willing to give him an opportunity. Should he clear waivers and get outrighted to the minors, however, he'll remain property of the Brewers as he does not have enough service time to elect free agency. Milwaukee's 40 man roster now stands at 39.

Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference