Ryan Howard left the ballpark on crutches after spraining his ankle after overrunning second base and returning to the bag. Howard was fairly positive about his return, however:

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and a trainer had to help Howard off the field. The slugger said he hoped to avoid the disabled list.

” It’s just swollen. It’s tight, sore. Other than that, it’s not too, too bad,” Howard said.

He wasn’t savoring his initial sprain, though.

” It was my first time. I wouldn’t recommend it for anybody,” Howard deadpanned.

Stay tuned.