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Phillies 1B Ryan Howard may be platooned against LHP in 2016. That’s the word from Phillies manager Pete Mackanin, who indicates that while no final decision has been made, a decision will be forthcoming this spring. The veteran slugger managed only three HRs and a .418 OPS against southpaws last season, a precipitous drop from 2014’s 10 HRs and a .770 OPS. Howard fared much better against RHP in 2015, going yard 20 times with a .803 OPS, which was actually a nice bounce back from 2014’s production of 13 HRs and a .658 OPS against right-handed hurlers. Teammate Darin Ruf would get the nod for any platoon work at 1B. The 29-year-old pro fared much better against LHP last year with a 1.107 OPS in 114 plate appearances, but was anything but productive against RHP by producing a .483 OPS in 171 turns at the plate. A platoon may be the best solution for a rebuilding Phillies squad and the aging Howard, who will turn 37 this November, which relegates him to the bottom tier of first basemen for fantasy purposes.
Ryan Howard May Take A Seat Against LHP In 2016
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