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Phillies' Ryan Howard: Might sit Sunday

Manager Pete Mackanin said he might sit Howard against a right-handed pitcher Sunday, Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "I might give [Tommy] Joseph a start [Sunday] just to clear Howie's head just a little bit," Mackanin said.

Analysis:

Howard went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts Saturday before he was pinch-hit for in the seventh inning. He's hitting just .161 with eight home runs this season, while his strikeout rate has increased after he had been making small improvements the last three years. He's also been a bit unlucky with a .162 BABIP. For now, the Phillies remain committed to a platoon at first base, but if Howard's struggles continue, the team could start to reduce his role further.

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