Prior to starting a homestand Monday against the Nationals, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel predicted first baseman Ryan Howard would start hitting for more power, according to MLB.com. Well, Howard hasn't made his manager look like a fool.
Howard homered twice Saturday against the Mets and has homered three times in the first five games of the homestand. Howard is batting .439 (18 for 41) with an .805 slugging percentage, 1.315 OPS, one triple, three home runs, four doubles and 11 RBI in his last 11 games.
Manuel said Howard's surge is because the veteran slugger is being more selective at the plate.
"Usually when you do that, you'll get some timing, and he's doing it consistently in games, especially against right-handers," Manuel said. "And you could see it [Saturday]. He got the ball up in the air because he took good, quick swings at the ball."