Major League Baseball

Phillies' Howard treated for infection

Published Feb. 29, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard's recovery from offseason Achilles surgery hit a bump in the road, the team announced Wednesday.

The 32-year-old slugger was forced to undergo a second procedure Monday to have an infection cleaned out from his surgically repaired left tendon.

Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan told reporters Howard underwent "a small procedure to basically clean out his sutures and clean out [the initial surgical] wound."

Sheridan would not say when Howard would be able to resume participating in spring training drills, but added he would not classify the procedure as a "setback."

"Ryan is going to be placed on antibiotic medication," Sheridan said, adding that the team would consult with the surgeon throughout the week "about how this is going to affect the rehab program."

Howard took live batting practice last week for the first time since tearing his left Achilles tendon on Philadelphia's final at-bat of the 2011 season.

The former National League MVP underwent surgery in October, just days after the Phillies lost the NL Division Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Howard has 286 home runs in eight seasons with Philadelphia. He has led the NL three times in RBI, amassing 864 during his big league career. Howard hit .253 with 33 home runs and 116 RBI in 152 games last season.

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