Franklin was promoted to Double-A Tennessee on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Walks have been an issue for Franklin (12 in 19.1 innings), but he has only allowed earned runs in one of his five appearances for High-A South Bend. It's unclear whether the 23-year-old righty will profile best in the rotation or relief long term, but his stuff should miss bats (34.9 percent strikeout rate at High-A).

Franklin (oblique) faced hitters for the first time in over a year at Cubs Minor League camp Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Franklin missed the entire 2021 season due to an oblique injury, but felt good after facing hitters on Saturday. The right-handed pitcher faced three batters and stated his fastball was clocked at 97-99 miles-per-hour. This is a step in the right direction for Franklin as he looks to start the 2022 season on time.

Franklin has missed the entire season with an oblique strain and could make his 2021 debut in mid-August, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of the Cubs' most exciting pitching prospects, Franklin has been mysteriously absent all season, and now we know why. He has been healing slowly, but it's encouraging that this isn't an elbow injury.

Low-A Myrtle Beach transferred Franklin (undisclosed) to its 60-day injured list June 24, and the right-hander remains without a timeline for making his 2021 debut.

EDGE Analysis

News has been scarce regarding Franklin's injury, but the 21-year-old remains out indefinitely after struggling to ramp up coming out of spring training. During his most recent professional season in 2019, Franklin made 10 starts at rookie-level Eugene and one at Low-A South Bend, accruing a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings between the two stops.