Mariners Demote Dustin Ackley, Call Up Nick Franklin - East Idaho News
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Mariners Demote Dustin Ackley, Call Up Nick Franklin

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Getty S 52813 Ackley?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1369753030741Jeff Gross/Getty Images(SEATTLE) — The Seattle Mariners are doing whatever they can to get second baseman Dustin Ackley back on track at the plate, even if it means sending him down to Triple-A. The Mariners optioned Ackley to Triple-A Tacoma and have called up Nick Franklin to take his place so that Ackley can regain some confidence at the plate.

“It was just time,” Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. “Obviously, we fought for the guy for quite a period of time now and wanted to make it work up here and not have to do that. Ultimately, we couldn’t take it any further.”

The 25-year-old Ackley was a much-heralded prospect when he made his debut with the team in 2011. The former number 2 overall pick played well his rookie season, but his performance has slipped each season. In 45 games this season, Ackley was hitting .205 with one home run and eight RBIs.

Ackley’s demotion comes less than a week after fellow top hitting prospect, Jesus Montero, was also sent to Triple-A to work on his swing.

Meanwhile, Franklin has rapidly risen through Seattle’s minor-league system. He was a first round pick back in 2009 and batted .324 in 30 games with Tacoma this season.

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