Howard to rehab in Lakewood

By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine

Finally, us Philadelphia natives have a good reason to actually go to New Jersey.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard will have a rehab assignment with the Lakewood BlueClaws on May 23rd and the 24th. Last year's National League MVP and 2005 NL Rookie of the Year has been slowed by a strained left quad and was placed on the disabled list on May 10th.

Howard, who played with Lakewood in 2002, is eligible to come off the DL on May 25h.

“We’re extremely excited for our fans,” BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown said in a release on the team's Web site. “Ryan is the best player we’ve ever had here, and it’s great that our fans can see him wear a BlueClaws uniform a few more times.”

Howard hit .280 with 19 home runs and 87 RBI with the BlueClaws. He is second on the club's all-time home run list. He hit 58 homers with 149 RBI in his MVP season last year.

The Phillies have been rolling despite not having Howard in the lineup. Philadelphia has won three in a row and six of seven to climb back to .500 at 20-20.

Lakewood's May 23rd game is slated to start at 11:05 a.m., while the following day's game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 or at www.BlueClaws.com.