Though he was never a threat around the bases, Ryan Howard's lack of mobility since returning from a torn Achilles could force the Phillies to sacrifice his bat for speed late in games, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Howard is 18 months removed from surgery and has recently admitted to having good days and bad days with his leg.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel pinch-ran for the 33-year-old twice in the first 13 games. Last season, Manuel pinch-ran for Howard six times in 71 games as he regained strength in the repaired tendon. Manuel admits that replacing Howard's bat for speed late in games has been something that he has considered more often.
"It might be," Manuel said. "I hope I don't have to pinch-run for him much. I hope those situations don't come up much. Sometimes, when you're trying to win the game, the chances of scoring a guy become much better."
Howard is hitting .255 with a home run and five RBI in 51 at-bats. He has reached base in eight of the last 10 games played.
Phillies' concern with Ryan Howard's lack of mobility late in games
By
Igor Mello
•
1 min read
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