Photo: Philliedelphia/Steve Trapani
Well, it sounds as if the Phillies lineup may get a boost before the All-Star break. According to Phillies.com's Todd Zolecki, Ryan Howard may return to the Phillies this weekend. The report says that Howard will play first base tonight and tomorrow night for the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Once he completes those games, he will be re-evaluated and potentially ready to rejoin the Phillies.
Astute Twitter user Brian Rosenwald points out that the Phillies are not likely to play Howard a third day in a row, so his first start back may be on Sunday.
Any good news to propel the Phillies into winning ways will be much appreciated. Howard has shown that he can hit minor league pitching and field his position. So, why not give the team one big boost going into the All-Star break? No need to wait until afterwards.
UPDATE: David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News speculates the Phillies could activate Howard in time for Friday's opener against the Braves.
