The Phillies received some encouraging news on Thursday.Foot and ankle specialist Mark Myerson cleared first basemen Ryan Howard to begin some strength and power exercises, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
The 32-year-old slugger, who had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achillies in October, will start jogging underwater and is likely to begin baseball activities within six weeks.
The Phillies are not sure if Howard will be ready by Opening Day, but Amaro said Howard's progress was "good news."
More Phils on the mend
Right-hander Jose Contreras was cleared to begin a throwing program starting on Friday. Contreras had surgery to repair his right elbow late last year. He will begin the throwing program near his home in Florida.
Second baseman Placido Polanco recently told Amaro he feels great after having sports hernia surgery and believes he will be 100 percent by Spring Training.
Outfielder Hunter Pence, who also had sports hernia surgery, is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Finally, Cole Hamels is throwing after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and feels fine.