"We wouldn't have activated Howard unless he was ready to go," Amaro said.
The Phillies deemed that to be the case after Howard reported no problems following his rehab game. He was scheduled to play another minor-league game for triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, but those plans were scrapped.
"If he's ready to play and the doctors say so," Manuel said, "then why not let him play here?"
There were a few interesting ramifications as a result of the two roster moves: First, rookie Domonic Brown will likely remain a Phillie for the rest of the season. The team had wanted to send him down so he could play every day before becoming a bench player in September, but it appears Brown will assume that role for good now.
"It would have been nice" to have him get at-bats, Amaro said, "but right now we're trying to win as many games as we can. He's got the ability to do some things even if he's not playing every day. He has the ability to run the bases and hit for power from the left side. It gives us the chance to have the best club out there."
Manuel said he would attempt to work Brown into the lineup when possible. He started his first game since Aug. 11 on Saturday.
"If you expect him to come off the bench and help you, he has to get some plate appearances," Manuel said. "Pinch-hitting is new to him. He's real young. He takes what I call a long stride to the ball. Timing is real important to him."
Gload's going on the disabled list could also have unintended benefits for a possible postseason roster. Players must either be on the 25-man active roster or disabled list on Aug. 31 to be eligible for the postseason. With Gload on the DL and Brown in the majors, both could play in the playoffs.
