Howard slaps double for 'Pigs, exits in 8th

Ryan Howard’s minor league rehab continued Monday as the 36-45 Phillies were idle. Howard was the third batter and designated hitter for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

He went 1 for 4 with a slap double down the left field line that produced a run. He also struck out and grounded into a double play. Howard was lifted for a pinch-runner in the eighth inning.

It was Howard’s fifth rehab game since last Thursday. He played three games at Single A Lakewood, including a five-inning stint at first base before heading to Lehigh Valley, where he played five more innings in the field.

Howard is on a 20-day minor league rehab assignment that would have him back by July 17 at the latest. Howard said Sunday that he would “love” to be back around the All-Star break.

The Phillies could definitely use him. The collection of Ty Wigginton, John Mayberry, Hector Luna, Laynce Nix and Jim Thome has combined to hit .253/.314/.405 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in 331 plate appearances at first base this season.