Howard (Knee) Out Tuesday: Possibly Out For Season

Ryan Howard will not be in the lineup Tuesday for the Philadelphia Phillies as they take on the Washington Nationals.

The first baseman left Monday’s game early with a left knee contusion. Howard left the ballpark on crutches, which makes it likely that he could be out for a while and possibly even the rest of the season.

Phillies lineup tonight vs Nationals. No Howard or Altherr after both left last night's game with contusions. pic.twitter.com/ndTdIZxwr3

— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) September 15, 2015

The injury happened after Howard already delivered his 23 HR of the season. The 35-year-old has 77 RBI this season though sported a low .229 BA.

The rebuilding Phillies have traded away most of their veteran players besides Howard. The slugger is still owed $48 million over the next two seasons before becoming a free agent before the 2018 season. He has played 12 of his seasons in Philly.

Darin Ruf will fill in at first base. Ruf has a .270 BA with 7 HR and 27 RBI this season as a bench-player in his fourth MLB season.