Phillies bench Howard after awful start to season

Ryan Howard has not had a pleasant 2016.

The Philadelphia Phillies first baseman is batting a paltry .154/.215/.343 after 46 games, which has prompted manager Pete Mackanin to sit the veteran infielder for the next little while in favor of 24-year-old rookie Tommy Joseph.

"It's the right thing to do," Mackanin told reporters Wednesday, adding that Howard was "on board" with the decision, according to Ryan Lawrence of The Philly Voice.

Mackanin also admitted Howard doesn't have much time left to try to turn around a declining career.

"This whole year is a last chance (for Howard)," the skipper told ESPN's Jayson Stark, adding that the veteran may be benched for longer if Joseph's bat continues to impress.

Joseph, a rookie drafted in the second round in 2009, has held his own in his debut season, batting .270/.275/.541 with three home runs, albeit in a limited 37 at-bats. And while replacing a former MVP and three-time All-Star can be overwhelming for a rookie, Howard was quick to reassure him he earned his spot.

"I said, 'Hey, you're in there the next 3-4 days, whatever it may be. Do what you’ve got to do to go out and kick some butt,'" Howard told Joseph.