Phillies Vs. Braves: Ryan Howard Set To Return For Series Opener

Ryan Howard looks to make his season debut today as the Philadelphia Phillies (37-47) start a three game series against the visiting Atlanta Braves (43-39). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

Howard has missed the first 84 games of the season after rupturing his Achilles' tendon against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the 2011 Division Series. Howard was at AAA Lehigh Valley in preparation for his call-up, batting .317 and a homerun for the IronPigs.

The Phillies will send out Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.35 ERA) to the mound for Friday's series opener, looking to reverse his poor run of form. Kendrick has given up at least five earned runs in four of his last five starts, including giving up five runs in seven innings in Philadelphia's 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 28.

The Braves will send out Tim Hudson (6-4, 3.87 ERA), who was roughed up a bit in his last start against the Washington Nationals. Hudson gave up eight hits and six runs, five earned in six innings of work.

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