]MIAMI - Maikel Franco's slump, which was not snapped by a two-game benching last week, may force the Phillies to demote him to the minor leagues.
"I don't think anything is out of the question," manager Pete Mackanin said. "We've talked about it. That's about all I'll say. It's been discussed."
Franco was scratched from the lineup Tuesday night with what Mackanin described as a "slight fever." He has just 11 hits in his last 63 at-bats. Franco is 2 for 18 since Mackanin benched him and his season average has dipped to .209 with a .