Ryan Howard shows improvements but remains out indefinitely - MLB Update
The damage caused by a broken achilles in October has not died down yet. The first baseman Ryan Howard sees his wounds heeling, but as has been reported, progress is not as fast as meriting an immediate comeback to the ballpark.
The fact he had tendon surgery, it will take some time before he can feel like belonging there.
He is an important link to the Phillies’ offence, which is struggling immensely in his absence. Currently standing at the low end of the table, Phillies are being undone by their offence in every next game.
The culmination of their misery came in the game when their starter Cliff Lee threw ten shutout innings and yet Phillies lost the game.
According to a statement issued from the club, Howard will not take to the ballpark until at-least next week despite signs of recovery are there.
"After seeing the wound specialist in Philadelphia yesterday, Ryan Howard's wound has gotten smaller and is healing," it said. "We've been advised to limit his activities for one more week to allow it to continue to heal."
Adding that hurried return will only be counter-productive, they aim to give him complete time for recovery.
Chase Utley is another hitter with the Phillies who is missing in the season due to an injury. He was reported to be on the road to faster recovery the other day and may therefore join the line-up soon.
Utley had few plate experiences and did some fielding practice as he joined pre-game practice session with the Phillies. No time-line is there for him on his possible return to action. The fact he has begun the practice and only if he can avoid any hiccup,
he will be playing in the season shortly.
Entry of these two players will lift the Phillies’ offence in a big way. In turn it can easily take them to a kind of performance they have maintained in the last half a decade in the National League East Division.
Regardless of the return of these two players, Phillies have to find a way out with their existing strength, because even if both are available in time, they will take some time before restoring their best.
The manager Charlie Manuel will hope that their veterans Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins step up and make up for their absence.
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