CLEARWATER, Fla.Ryan Howard will travel to Baltimore to have his surgically repaired left Achilles tendon examined, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Saturday night.
According to Amaro, Howard recently developed a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that can develop near an incision after surgery. Howard is in no pain, Amaro said. In fact, the slugger took a spirited round of batting practice with Jim Thome, Domonic Brown and Juan Pierre on Saturday morning.
According to Amaro, the team wants to have Howards incision examined by Mark Myerson, the surgeon that repaired the torn Achilles in October. Amaro added that Howard, 4 12 months removed from surgery, was due for a checkup before he ramps up his physical activity.
Earlier Saturday, manager Charlie Manuel said Howard had suffered a little setbackthat was nothing to be alarmed about.
That was a little strong, Amaro said of Manuels take on the situation. We dont view this as a setback. We dont view it as an issue. Ryan is doing great. If he wasnt, he wouldnt be on the field.
Hes developed this seroma, which to my understanding has something to do with the body spitting out a stitch. The doctor will take a look at it, but, like I said, we dont view it as a problem.
It is unclear whether Howard will be examined on Monday or Tuesday. Amaro said that Howard was expected to be back in camp on Wednesday, most likely with the OK to increase the intensity of his workouts.
MLB
Were actually very pleased with Ryans progress, Amaro said.
Manuel has made similar statements all week.
Ryans come along real good, Manuel said. The doctors and the trainers say hes ahead of pace.
Phillies officials believe Howard will be ready for regular-season action sometime in May.
I still dont think hes going to miss a lot of time, Manuel said.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com