With lefty ace Madison Bumgarner on the mound Friday, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard will be held out of the starting lineup in the series-opener versus the Giants. Howard has struggled against southpaws this season to the tune of a .138 average (9 for 65).
Specifically, Howard is just 2 for 11 lifetime against Bumgarner. So, he will take a seat on Friday with Darin Ruf making the start at first base.