NEW YORK -- Ryan Howard is back in the Phillies' lineup.
He started Thursday night's series opener and lifted a solo home run to center field in the fifth inning in the Phillies' 9-8, 11-inning loss to the Mets at Citi Field. Howard had not played since Friday against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park because of swelling in his left knee. He had the knee drained Sunday.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said he hopes to play Howard as much as possible in the season's final 10 games.
"He's going to play a lot," he said.
It is expected to be Howard's final days with the Phillies. They have a $23 million club option for 2017, but they will take a $10 million buyout instead, although Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said no formal announcement will be made until after the season.
The Phillies plan to honor Howard in some way during the season's final homestand, which begins next weekend against the Mets.