Ryan Howard back in Phillies lineup; Clay Condrey headed to the DL
Ryan Howard is in the Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays after spending part of the weekend in the hospital with flu-like symptoms that was eventually diagnosed as acute sinusitus.
The Kansas City Star says that Howard will be the designated hitter, while philly.com indicates Howard will place first base and Chris Coste will be the DH in the American League Park.
Right-handed relief pitcher Clay Condrey will not play against the Rays, however, as he has been placed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. Philadelphia has recalled left-hander Sergio Escalona from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Condrey's place on the roster.
The Phillies are attempting to end a six-game skid as they face their 2008 World Series opponent. The World Champions defeated the Rays four games to one last October.
In 2009, Philadelphia, losers of eight of their last nine ballgames, is clinging to a 1.5 game lead over the New York Mets in the National League East.
Tampa Bay is in fourth place in the American League East, six games behind Boston, in the uber-competitive division.