Ryan Howard To Start In Seven-Hole For First Time In Almost 10 Years
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- For the first time since 2006, Ryan Howard will start tonight's game at first-base, hitting seventh.
The Phillies are in Washington, beginning a four-game series against the Nationals on Thursday. Howard is in the lineup playing first-base, but will hit at the bottom of the order against Nats right-handed starter Doug Fister.
Since joining the Nationals before the 2014 season, Fister is 16-6 with a 2.32 ERA. Howard is 2-12 (1.67) with a double and a strikeout against Fister. Darin Ruf, who will interestingly bat behind Howard and play left-field, has one hit in three career at-bats against Fister.
Right-fielder Jeff Francouer, who will replace Howard in the clean-up spot, is 3-13 with a double and 3 strikeouts in 15 career plate appearances against Fister.
