Howard to be present at Phils' final series

MIAMI -- Ryan Howard has barely been seen or heard from since he had surgery on his left knee in July.

He will be visible beginning Thursday at Turner Field in Atlanta.

Howard, who has been working out at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla., for weeks, will join the Phillies for their final four games of the season against the Braves. Howard will not see any game action, but he will participate in pregame workouts.

"Things have gone well in Florida," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I've just seen a couple of swings on video and that's about it. That's why it'll be good to see him in Atlanta doing pregame and actually taking batting practice and ground balls and running the bases. That'll be a good thing to see him for four days then. Be able to have a pretty good gauge on him then."

Howard reportedly has dropped weight during his rehab. The Phillies are expecting him to be healthy and ready to go by Spring Training in February.

• Center fielder Ben Revere has also been working out in Clearwater following right ankle surgery in August.

He has played in simulated games and could play in the Florida Instructional League before heading home for the offseason on Friday.

"Passing all the game tests medically and everything," Sandberg said. "He's been doing fine."