Tonight's lineup: Howard batting 4th in debut

The Phillies finally have the heart of their order back.

Officially activated on Friday, Ryan Howard will start at first base and bat fourth, one spot after second baseman Chase Utley.

Howard sped through a rehab assignment, playing just seven games between Single A Lakewood and Triple A Lehigh Valley, to return to the Phillies for the last series before the All-Star break. He makes his debut in Game 85.

Carlos Ruiz, who has ridden a hot streak that began on the first day of spring training and hasn’t really stopped since, will protect Howard and bat fifth. Following Ruiz is Hunter Pence, who makes his first start of the season in the six-hole for the Phillies.

Placido Polanco is the only regular not in Friday’s lineup. Mike Fontenot will start in his place at third base.

Here is the lineup you’ve been waiting for...

Jimmy Rollins, SS
Shane Victorino, CF
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Carlos Ruiz, C
Hunter Pence, RF
Juan Pierre, LF
Mike Fontenot, 3B
Kyle Kendrick, P

Interesting that Victorino jumps up to bat second. He’s had a rough 2012 season, while Pierre has hit .333 in 150 at-bats out of the two-hole.

The breakdown of the Phillies’ lineup from a batting side standpoint goes: switch, switch, lefty, lefty, righty, righty, lefty, lefty, righty. Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson has allowed lefties a .721 OPS in 14 seasons, compared to a .622 mark for righthanded batters.

E-mail Corey Seidman at cseidman@comcastsportsnet.com