Ryan Howard, as previously announced, makes his final start at first base for the Phillies on Sunday afternoon as they close out another long season against the New York mets.
In the season finale, Howard will bat fifth behind Maikel Franco. On Friday and Saturday, Howard hit fifth and clubbed a two-run homer Saturday in the Phillies' 5-3 loss to New York.
Howard, in his 13th season with the Phillies, is hitting .199 with 25 home runs and 59 RBIs. His 25 homers are tied with Maikel Franco for the team lead. The Phillies will honor Howard with a pregame ceremony at 2:30, which will be televised on Comcast SportsNet.
CSNPhilly.com Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury remembered Howard's time as a Phillie — the highs, the lows, the uncertainties — and asks of one thing: Stand up and cheer for Howard. Last week, Phillies owner John Middletown also reflected on the Howard era.
Howard is the final piece — the Big Piece — of the 2008 World Series team. Beginning next season, the Phillies' rebuild will be in full gear and be completely washed from one of the greatest eras in franchise history. But before they close the book, the Phils will give the first baseman a chance to get the appropriate ovation he deserves.
In other lineup notes, Jimmy Paredes starts in left field and bats second; Andres Blanco starts at shortstop and Freddy Galvis is off. Jerad Eickhoff starts.
Philadelphia Phillies
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Here is the Phillies' full lineup.
Phillies
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Jimmy Paredes, LF
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Maikel Franco, 3B
5. Ryan Howard, 1B
6. Cameron Rupp, C
7. Andres Blanco, SS
8. Aaron Altherr, RF
9. Jerad Eickhoff, P
For more on today's game, check out Steven Tydings' game notes.
