Keeping to his word, manager Pete Mackanin is starting Ryan Howard at first base and will bat him fifth against the Cubs.
Mackanin said Monday night he is nearing a long-term decision on Howard's future (see story). Howard is making his first start at first base in a week.
Howard is hitting just .151 on the season and .141 against right-handed pitching. The Phillies face righty Kyle Hendricks tonight, who bested Howard in four at bats on May 28, striking him out twice.
Both Odubel Herrera and Cody Asche return to the outfield tonight after getting days off in the first game of the series. Herrera will man center and return to his leadoff spot. Asche takes over left field and will bat seventh. After playing in left last night, Tyler Goeddel slides to right field, replacing Jimmy Paredes.
With Tommy Joseph getting the night off, Freddy Galvis slides down to the three-hole. Galvis went 1 for 4 with a three-run blast in the ninth last night.
After two games off, Carlos Ruiz returns to catch for Jerad Eickhoff. Ruiz is hitting .226 on the season with three home runs and seven RBIs.
Here is tonight's lineup:
Philadelphia Phillies
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1. Odubel Herrera CF
2. Cesar Hernandez 2B
3. Freddy Galvis SS
4. Maikel Franco 3B
5. Ryan Howard 1B
6. Tyler Goeddel RF
7. Cody Asche LF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Jerad Eickhoff P
For more on tonight's game, check out Corey Seidman's game notes.
