The Philadelphia Phillies have called up top prospect Maikel Franco to be their everyday third baseman.

"This was a baseball decision based on Maikel's development and performance," Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "We believe he is ready for the next step."

The Phillies will host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.

Franco, 22, will replace Cody Asche, who was sent down earlier this week to Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier this week.