Howard to have MRI

by Eric Schwartz

Tuesday August 3, 2010 

Howard to have MRI thumbnail

Through all of the injuries the Phillies have endured this season the one constant in the lineup has been Ryan Howard. That figures to change for at least a few days as Howard recovers from an injured left ankle. The good news is that Howard does not think he will need to go on the DL even though he is currently on crutches.

David Murphy of philly.com is reporting that Howard will have an MRI today.

“I’m not worried that it’s long term,” Howard told NBC10’s John Clark at the airport before visiting team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti. “It’s been 2 days and I’ve been able to put pressure on it and just using the crutches for precautionary measures. Hopefully, maybe it’s like 4, 7 days. Maybe 10 days.”

Howard was hurt when he slid back into second base in the first inning Sunday against the Washington Nationals.

“It’s part of the game,” Howard said. “It’s a little frustrating. Right now the focus is just getting better and see what happens … It feels alright. I can put pressure on it … just need to see how long it takes.”

“There’s pain, there’s swelling. Once we get all the swelling out, we’ll see where it goes from there and what the MRI says and what ligaments are involved.”

If Howard is to go on the DL it will be a giant blow to the team. For all of the guys that have been out of the lineup at times this season – Utley, Polanco, Rollins, Ruiz – the big man has always been there to keep the lineup looking potent. With Howard out of the lineup the Phillies look a whole lot less threatening. The results of the MRI should be known tonight or tomorrow. That news may very well determine if the team can stay in the race.

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