Rays rookie shortstop Wander Franco likely heading to IL after injuring hamstring

After hitting a single in the first inning, Franco limped into third base while advancing on a Nelson Cruz double. He was removed from the game after being examined by trainers.

"That's a base hit that I would normally score on," Franco said, according to MLB.com. 

After the game, the former top prospect told reporters that he was feeling better and didn't want to speculate about his injury until being evaluated Saturday.

"… I hope I don't have to go on the IL, but [Saturday], we'll see," Franco said. "We'll get more answers [Saturday]. It's in God's hands, and hopefully, it won't be so bad."

Franco is in the midst of an impressive rookie season, hitting .285/.347/.463 with seven home runs and 36 RBI in 62 games. His single in Friday's game extended his on-base streak to 39 games, the second-longest in history for a player under 21 years old. 

Not long after Franco's exit on Friday, Triple-A shortstop Taylor Walls was pulled from Durham's game in the sixth inning. He's likely on his way to Detroit, signaling that Franco could miss time. In addition to Walls, Joey Wendle and Mike Brosseau could fill in for Franco. 

With the postseason quickly approaching, it's not hard to see why the Rays are being cautious with Franco. Behind only the San Francisco Giants (91-50) for the best record in baseball, the Rays (88-53) are running away with the American League East lead and are in position for home-field advantage throughout the postseason.