Howard gets breather; Frandsen in at first base

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel figured Thursday would be a good day to rest Ryan Howard.

Kevin Frandsen started at first base instead against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park.

The Red Sox had left-hander Franklin Morales on the mound Thursday, and with a steady stream of right-handed pitchers coming in the near future, Manuel figured this would be a good night to get Howard off his ailing left knee.

Howard is hitting .323 (10-for-31) with three doubles, one home run, four RBIs and 14 strikeouts in his last eight games.