Phillies Howard day-to-day with sore groin

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel says that Ryan Howard isn't in the starting lineup tonight due to a sore groin.

It was assumed that Manuel was not starting Howard for the first time this season tonight against St. Louis due to the fact that the Cardinals were throwing left-hander Jaime Garcia.

"Ryan has a sore groin," said Manuel before Friday's game when asked if it were a good time to give Howard a rest. "Yes, this gives us a good time to sit him down."

Manuel said that Howard would be able to pinch hit.

As for playing tomorrow?

"We will see," Manuel said, "Hopefully he can."

Manuel said that Howard first complained about the groin in the middle of Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Cardinals.

Ruiz X-Rays Negative

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was hit in the left wrist with a pitch today in an extended spring training game. The team said that x-rays were negative.

Ruiz, who was suspended for the first 25 games for illegal Adderall use, is eligible to return April 28, barring any rainouts.