Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies activated first
baseman Ryan Howard in time for the team's weekend series with the Atlanta
Braves.
Howard has been on the disabled list all year after tearing his left Achilles
tendon in the last at-bat during the 2011 NLDS against St. Louis. He underwent
offseason surgery, and the Phillies have used several players as placeholders
playing first base in a disappointing 2012 campaign.
After slugging .488 -- the lowest of his career -- in 2011, Howard figures to
give the offense a power boost as he returns. So far this season, Phillies
first basemen have slugged .414, which is 17th in the majors but a far cry
from the customary results.
During his seven-game rehabilitation assignment, Howard batted 10-for-20 with
two doubles, one homer and five walks.
In 152 games last season, the normally-durable Howard batted .253 with a .346
on-base percentage to go with 33 homers.
To make room for Howard on the 25-man roster, the club optioned infielder
Hector Luna to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Sports Network