Report: Phillies have discussed releasing Ryan Howard

The Philadelphia Phillies have discussed releasing slumping first baseman Ryan Howard after the season.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is seeing the field less and less, especially when the team faces left-handed pitching, fueling speculation that the team might cut ties with him.

According to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, Philadelphia has discussed releasing Howard, possibly after this season.

He is owed $60 million over the next two seasons, part of a five-year, $125 million extension he signed in 2010. 

Howard is hitting .224 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI this season. His 118 strikeouts are tied for third most in the majors and his .682 OPS is 21st out of 23 qualifying first basemen. Howard, 34, has just 10 hits in July.

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“It's about wins and losses out here,” Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. “When the game starts, it's about winning the game and being productive and chipping in and doing the part and doing something to help win a game."

- Scooby Axson