Phillies' Ryan Howard: Held out Sunday

Howard is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Braves.

Analysis:

Manager Pete Mackanin said Saturday that he was considering holding the slumping Howard out Sunday, and it turns out he will indeed do just that. Tommy Joseph will get the start at first base in place of Howard, who is just 4-for-44 (.091) through 16 games this month.