Ryan Howard, who was 2 for 29 since the All-Star break coming into Saturday, was originally given the day off against the Padres in favor of an old Stanford first baseman, John Mayberry. Jr.
Howard's day of rest, however, didn't last. He entered the game as a pinch hitter for Mayberry in the seventh inning and promptly hit a solo home run to tie the game, 4-4.
Needs some time in the batting cage, Charlie Manuel said before the game, insisting that his decision had nothing to do with Howards career eight strikeouts in eight at-bats (one walk) against Padres starter Mat Latos, nor with resting any starting position players with three straight day games scheduled in searing heat.
Ask the doctors and trainers about that, said Manuel. Ive been in dugouts on hot days we didnt even have any water.
Put your best lineup on the field every day.
Howard had been part of that for all but one game this season, May 29, when ongoing struggles against lefthanders earned him a day off against the Mets Jon Niese.
Asked before Saturdays game whether he was disappointed or felt he could use a day off, Howard said: What kind of question is that?
MLB
No comment.
Placido Polanco, out since July 4 with a bulging disk in his back, says he felt an almost instant improvement in his back after receiving an epidural injection on Wednesday. Much better, he said. The All-Star third baseman hopes to go on a rehab assignment sometime this week.
E-mail Jay Greenberg at jayg616@aol.com.