Ryan Howard is returning to Philadelphia.
Howard will rejoin the Phillies on Friday and, once approved by a team doctor, be activated for the series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
After Thursday's game with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Howard didn't commit to returning but said he was prepared.
"I'm Major League ready," Howard said after going 2 for 3 with an RBI and two walks. "I've been there already, but being back up there to play -- I feel like it's pretty close."
Sidelined since suffering a ruptured Achilles on the final at-bat of last year's NLDS loss to St. Louis, Howard began a rehab stint at Class-A Lakewood last month before quickly moving up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Playing first base Thursday, Howard made a big-league play that required him to leave his feet, plant and throw to second to get an out.
"The step, jump, and throw, it felt pretty good to get that reaction," he said.
MLB
(more coming ... )
John Finger in New York and Paul Aspen in Allentown contributed to this story.