Even If Out Of Race, Amaro Says Howard Will Play
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Earlier in the week, there was some discussion about whether or not the Phillies would consider shutting down first baseman Ryan Howard if they completely fell out of the playoff race, given how the first baseman is still not 100-percent from that serious Achilles injury that cost him half the season.
Friday morning on KYW Newsradio, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro made it abundantly clear that won't be happening.
"I don't know where that came from. I never had that discussion with Charlie. As far as I'm concerned, Ryan's going to continue to play."
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Of course, the fact that Howard has homered in each of the last two games, knocking in seven runs in the process, has sort of made that discussion irrelevant.
"There's no reason for me to think that he has to be shutdown," Amaro says. "Nothing physical, and as far as a state of mind, I think it is important for him to finish strong. And if he continues to swing the bat the way he did the last couple of days, then that's a positive for him."
The Phillies open their final homestand of the season Friday night against the Braves.
