Phillies Joseph to start for Howard today against a RHP

As expected, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has decided to start Tommy Joseph at first base today instead of slumping Ryan Howard even though the Atlanta Braves will be sending a righthander to the mound.

Mackanin suggested this would be a move he would make after Saturday's 2-0 loss to Braves. He said he isn't planning on abandoning the platoon, but wanted to give Howard a day to clear his head.

Howard is hitting .161 with eight home runs, 18 RBIs and just a .614 OPS. During 50 plate appearances in May, Howard is hitting .091 with 3 home runs, 8 RBIs and a .498 OPS.

Since being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Joseph is hitting .333 (4 for 12) with a solo home run.

Speaking before today's game, Joseph said nothing changes other than he's now facing a righthander, Casey Kelly, who was recalled on Saturday from Triple-A Gwinnett.

"I am in the lineup today and will take the same approach I do anytime I am in the lineup which is to try to go out there and do my best, put together good at-bats and be ready to go in the field," Joseph said.

Howard politely declined comment before the game.

In 65 at-bats against right-handers for Lehigh Valley, Joseph hit .338 with three home runs, 10 RBIs and a .915 OPS.

Here are the lineups for today's game

PHILLIES

Odubel Herrera, CF

Cesar Hernandez, 2B

Maikel Franco, 3B

Tommy Joseph, 1B

Cameron Rupp, C

Freddy Galvis, SS

Tyler Goeddel, LF

Jerad Eickhoff, P

Peter Bourjous, RF

BRAVES

Ender Inciarte, LF

Chase D' Arnaud, 3B

Freddie Freeman, 1B

Nick Markaikas, RB

Gordon Beckham, 2B

A.J. Pierzynski, C

Daniel Castro, SS

Casey Kelly, P

Mallex Smith, CF