RYAN HOWARD'S bat has slowly come to life in the last 2 weeks.
In a month that began with him mired in a strikeout-heavy slump, Howard took the field Tuesday night having put together three straight two-hit games. Howard was hitting .347 (17-for-49) with a 1.058 OPS, four doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI in his previous 12 games.
In the 11 games that preceded his recent hot streak, Howard hit .150 (6-for-40) with one RBI, no extra-base hits and 20 strikeouts.
Manuel explained Howard's surge as a result of not having a full spring training before returning from a lengthy left Achilles' rehab on July 6.
"He's getting to play more, and the more he gets to play he's playing himself into good condition, good shape and he's getting his swings," Manuel said. "He's getting his swing back, his timing and everything. He missed spring training. And there's a big difference between playing in Clearwater in A ball and in the major leagues . . . It's a faster game."
Placido Polanco was out of the starting lineup a day after returning from a month-long stint on the disabled list with a lower back injury.
Kevin Frandsen was in Polanco's place at third base.
