Ryan Howard officially activated from disabled list

It was 273 days ago when Ryan Howard collapsed on the infield at Citizens Bank Park and an entire season crumbled with his left Achilles tendon.

Now the Phillies slugger is returning to join his teammates with a season on the brink.

Ryan Howard was officially activated from the disabled list Friday and will make his season debut against Atlanta nearly nine months removed from a serious injury. Infielder Hector Luna was optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley to clear space.

Howard will bat cleanup in Charlie Manuel's lineup against Tim Hudson.

The Phillies insist Howard is not being rushed despite playing only seven minor-league rehab games, four of which while at first base. He played one full game at first Thursday night for the IronPigs, and the Phillies decided he was ready following that.

Howard has admitted he will not play at 100 percent strength until probably 2013. Other players who have suffered ruptured Achilles have experienced a similar timetable.

In a cursed season reaching its crucial point, the Phillies will take anything from Howard.

Manuel's full lineup is this:

1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Shane Victorino 8
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Carlos Ruiz 2
6. Hunter Pence 9
7. Juan Pierre 7
8. Mike Fontenot 5
9. Kyle Kendrick 1

Contact Matt Gelb at mgelb@phillynews.com or follow on Twitter @magelb.