Phillies’ Ryan Howard Set to Return Friday

According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, Ryan Howard will likely return to the Phillies’ lineup Friday.

He was expected to return after the All-Star break, but will get a jump start on his return to Philadelphia.  Howard has been sidelined since rupturing his achilles tendon late last year.

Howard is 32 years old and under contract through the 2016 season.  He is making $20 million this year and will max out at $25 million each for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons.  He’s a three-time All-Star, won the Rookie of the Year in 2005, and won the MVP in 2006.

Last season, Howard hit .253/.346/.488 with 33 home runs.  In his career, Howard has hit 286 home runs.  His triple-slash over eight Major League seasons is .275/.368/.560.  He helped the Phillies to two National League pennants and one World Series championship.

The Phillies have struggled this season.  They are 37-47 and in dead-last in the National League East.  Cole Hamels looks to be on the market, but it’s not yet clear whether the Phillies will be total sellers at the deadline.  They just recently got Chase Utley back, and Ryan Howard’s addition could provide a much needed boost.  the Phillies have been hit hard by injuries this year, but just about every team in the league can say that.

Howard was the highest paid first baseman in baseball until Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder landed larger overall contracts this off-season.  Joey Votto also surpassed him when the Reds gave him a $263 million deal at the start of the season.

During the postseason last year, Ryan Howard ruptured his October 8th during a loss to the eventual World Series champs the St. Louis Cardinals.  Howard was running down the first base line when the tendon ruptured and left Howard writhing on the field in agony.  His recovery has been longer than most expected, but Philadelphia is excited to have him back.

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