Left-handed slugger Ryan Howard has swatted his share of walk-off home runs, but one particular at-bat that ended a game and left him crumpled on the ground impacted the Philadelphia Phillies‘ 2012 season and will be sure to help determine how the club will perform this year.
Now 33, Howard ruptured his left Achilles tendon while running out a ground ball that resulted in the final out of the 2011 NLDS. While the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Howard writhed in pain. Howard had surgery to repair the Achilles and was limited to 292 plate appearances last season, batting a career low .219 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI. He did not make his 2012 debut until July.
In 2012, the Phillies were hampered by injuries to core players like Howard, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz. They missed the playoffs, and in the offseason National League East rivals Washington and Atlanta appeared to get stronger. For the Phillies to contend this season, they desperately need a healthy and productive Howard. So far this spring, his comeback has been a success.
Howard is 11-for-30 (.367) with three home runs, 11 RBI, a .767 slugging percentage and 1.161 OPS. Though it is too early to deem Howard back to his pre-Achilles injury condition, his spring training production is encouraging for a team that needs him to return to his 2011 form.
