The Phillies are "optimistic" about first baseman Ryan Howard's status heading into 2014, according to manager Ryne Sandberg. However, the team still has some concerns, particularly how Howard will perform against left-handed pitching, according to The Philadelphia Daily News.
Howard is a career .295 batter against right-handed pitchers, as opposed to a .224 batter against lefties. He's hit just .173 against lefties the last two seasons.
"He's going to get the opportunity to hit against lefties," Sandberg said. "That's in spring training . . . to get better at that. That's the first thing that takes place."
Still, unlike his predecessor -- Charlie Manuel -- who kept Howard in the lineup regularly, Sandberg alluded to benching Howard against lefties, if he doesn't improve.
"Not if we have a righthanded hitter that can go over there and hit. That's not a concern. 'Cause I can maybe do something about it," Sandberg said.
Yet, the Phillies are hoping it doesn't come to a platoon and remain confident Howard will be productive in 2014 after two straight disappointing seasons.
"I think he's going to be on the field and healthy and he's going to provide solid offense for us," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "And I know if he's on the field, that's what he's doing, and we'll win games because he is on the field. He's 100 percent. There's nothing medically wrong with him. His knee's fine. His calf's fine. It's time for him to play and produce."