Brown continues to make progress, may return this year

PHILADELPHIA -- Before the end of the season, the Phillies might see Domonic Brown back on the field.

They already know Ryan Howard and Ben Revere will not return this season.

Brown has not played since Sept. 1 because of inflammation in his right Achilles, although he took a step forward in his recovery Tuesday when he took about 40-50 swings in the batting cage. Interim manager Ryne Sandberg said Brown's activity could increase based upon how he feels.

Howard and Revere are headed to Florida instructional league, where they will continue to recover from their injuries. Howard had left knee surgery in July, while Revere had right ankle surgery in August.

"Go there, continue treatment and strength work, get some pregame workouts in and gradually get into some Florida Instructional League games," Sandberg said. "And the number of games is kind of up to them and the organization, whether they're doing everything, if they're comfortable where they're at and they feel good, confident going into the winter that they can do their normal routine."

Howard has been rehabbing in Clearwater, Fla., for weeks, and apparently has been making good progress.

"He's really getting into shape," Sandberg said. "He's lost some weight and he seems to be going about it great. He's taken to it well, preparing himself to play in Instructional League games. All reports are things are going well for him."