Howard Injury Update

We all remember Ryan Howard making the final out of the NLDS, while also tearing his Achilles tendon.  It was an awful picture to watch and unfortunately it will hurt his start time for this season.  Howard isn't expected to make his return to the lineup until at least May, the Phillies want to take it nice and easy working him back in.

Position players aren't required to report to Spring Training until Tuesday, but Howard has been here for several weeks.  He has been working really hard to rehab from his surgery in the offseason.  The good news is Manager Charlie Manuel says that he is ahead of schedule.  They will still take it easy though as they do not want Howard to have a setback on his recovery.

After a reporter spotted him jogging in the outfield the other day, today everyone was clear to see Howard take the field.  He was taking ground balls today moving laterally a little bit, but nothing to much.  He also took some soft toss after as well.  He is making some steps towards significant baseball activities.  This is some good progress and look for his workload to increase even more as Spring Training gets into full gear.