Brown returns to Phillies' starting lineup

NEW YORK -- Domonic Brown is back in the Phillies' lineup.

He started Thursday afternoon against the Mets at Citi Field. It was his first start since Friday because of inflammation in his right Achilles. Phillies interim manager Ryne Sandberg said Wednesday that Brown had made good progress recently and was close to returning to action.

"It was a little stiff there later on in the game," Brown said after the Phillies' 11-3 loss to the Mets. "I need to make sure that I kept stretching it, making sure that my calves and hips were stretched out. I'm going to keep doing that. If I keep moving around I'm fine. I felt pretty good."

Brown went 2-for-4 on Thursday and is hitting .277 with 18 doubles, four triples, 27 home runs and 80 RBIs in 120 games.