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Game 18: Domonic Brown returns; Ryan Howard sits

After a two-game absence, Domonic Brown's back is healthy enough to play. He returns to Charlie Manuel's lineup Saturday while Ryan Howard misses his second straight game with a groin injury.

After a two-game absence, Domonic Brown's back was healthy enough to play. He returned to Charlie Manuel's lineup Saturday while Ryan Howard missed his second straight game with a groin injury.

The injury to Howard is not considered serious and the first baseman was active during infield drills with his teammates. It was diagnosed as right groin tightness, an issue he had during spring training. Manuel deemed Howard available to pinch-hit.

"He's feeling better," Manuel said. "We decided to give him another day. He still has some stiffness and soreness. More than likely, he'll be ready to go [Sunday]."

Brown said Thursday he was expecting to play Friday but the team held him out of action for an extra day. Brown injured his back when diving for a ball Wednesday in Cincinnati. Saturday marked Brown's first appearance in right field this season.

The lineup vs. Cardinals righty Lance Lynn:

1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Freddy Galvis 7
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Michael Young 5
5. Domonic Brown 9
6. John Mayberry Jr. 3
7. Ben Revere 8
8. Erik Kratz 2
9. Cliff Lee 1

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