Desmond Injury Could Give Phillies Alum Ryan Howard a Chance
Retirement is not an option for Phillies legend Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard has hit 382 home runs with the Phillies, but is still awaiting a chance to continue his storied career. With a month left until Opening Day Howard has received no calls to join a Major League team.
Howard could possibly have been waiting for a spring training injury for an opportunity to get on the field as many times as possible.
Howard’s opportunity may have arrived on Sunday when the Colorado Rockies announced first baseman Ian Desmond would miss time with a broken hand.
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With Gerardo Parra, a left fielder, listed as the Rockies backup first baseman, the Rockies could use Howard for the start of the season to start at first base.
Over the past three years, Howard has hit 23 home runs despite losing bat speed and lower body strength.
Playing 36 games inside the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field Howard has 10 home runs and a .305 batting average. The lighter air in Colorado will give Howard an opportunity to hit a substantial number of home runs before Desmond returns.
Once the former Nationals shortstop returns, should Howard be productive, the former Phils first baseman would be a scary big piece off the bench.