Night off for Howard to rest ankle
Ryan Howard, who is 3-for-20 with 10 strikeouts since returning from a sprained left ankle, was not in the starting lineup last night. He entered the game in the ninth as a pinch-hitter and singled. Manager Charlie Manuel said the absence was nothing more than a day off for a struggling slugger fresh off an injury.
Ryan Howard, who is 3-for-20 with 10 strikeouts since returning from a sprained left ankle, was not in the starting lineup last night. He entered the game in the ninth as a pinch-hitter and singled. Manager Charlie Manuel said the absence was nothing more than a day off for a struggling slugger fresh off an injury.
"When he stays on his ankle for a long period time it's still a little bit sore," Manuel said. "I'm kind of watching him. But also, he needs to find his swing. I know he has to play to do that. But today was a good day, because we play a day game tomorrow and we have two lefties going [in two straight games], it'd be a good time for me to get him a day off."
Howard, who isn't expected to be suspended for his tirade Tuesday night, declined to speak with reporters yesterday.
- David Murphy