Phillies activate 1B Howard
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Philadelphia Phillies activated first baseman Ryan Howard in time for the team's weekend series with the Atlanta Braves.
Howard has been on the disabled list all year after tearing his left Achilles tendon in the last at-bat during the 2011 NLDS against St. Louis. He underwent offseason surgery, and the Phillies have used several players as placeholders playing first base in a disappointing 2012 campaign.
After slugging .488 -- the lowest of his career -- in 2011, Howard figures to give the offense a power boost as he returns. So far this season, Phillies first basemen have slugged .414, which is 17th in the majors but a far cry from the customary results.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}During his seven-game rehabilitation assignment, Howard batted 10-for-20 with two doubles, one homer and five walks.
In 152 games last season, the normally-durable Howard batted .253 with a .346 on-base percentage to go with 33 homers.
To make room for Howard on the 25-man roster, the club optioned infielder Hector Luna to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.