The Phillies have been getting by without slugging first baseman Ryan Howard since early August due to an ankle injury that put him on the DL. Howard wasn't able to return in the minimum amount of time, but today there is some good news:
Ryan Howard has a date in mind for his return: Monday's series opener against the Houston Astros.
"There's still a little bit of soreness," Howard said. "I actually felt good running today."
Mike Sweeney and Ross Gload have received the bulk of the playing time at first in Howard's absence, and, predictably, Howard has been missed.