John

Mayberry

That still only gets the 21-year-old up to .240/.324/.399 in 48 games as a pro. The Rangers are trying the former Stanford first baseman as an outfielder.

He’s just getting the night off. John Mayberry Jr. will make the start in center field and bat fifth against the left-hander J.A. Happ while Ben Francisco plays left field.

While the torn Achilles prognosis is speculation, a best-case scenario would put Howard’s recovery time at April 10, 2012. Assuming manager Charlie Manuel shifts John Mayberry to first base, that would open a full-time job in left field for Brown, who turned 24 in September. The team will be forced to make a decision on the once heralded prospect next season as he has moved back-and-forth in the minors since 2008. Though the front office emphasized his talents a year ago there are some within the organization that do not believe he can be an everyday player. In six seasons Brown’s posted .261/.391/.459 at the MILB level.

Howard showed up at Phillies’ camp Thursday without a walking boot and has already taken some ground balls from a stool. It’s doubtful he’ll begin hitting within the next few days, but he’s moving in the right direction. Still, a return in the early part of May would be the best-case scenario. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry Jr. figure to fill in at first base for now.

It’d help the Phillies a lot if Mayberry could get hot, but tonight’s start was just his third in nine games. Maybe it will lead to more action. Besides the two hits, he also collected an outfield assist. Juan Pierre hasn’t had one of those since 2002.

Pence didn’t play Monday after injuring his shoulder when he dove for a ball during Sunday’s game. The Phillies are calling him day-to-day for now and the MRI appears to be precautionary, but we should learn something more definitive on his status soon. Juan Pierre and John Mayberry, Jr. figure to start regularly in the corner outfield spots for now.

Pence has played every game so far this season, so he’s likely just getting a day off. John Mayberry, Jr. will make the start in right field and bat seventh against left-hander Wade Miley.

Pence suffered the injury when he dove for a ball in Sunday’s game. The severity isn’t yet known, but it’s unlikely he’ll be available off the bench Monday. John Mayberry, Jr. will take his place in right field.

Manuel considers Howard ahead of schedule in his recovery from Achilles surgery, but the high-priced slugger remains unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry, Jr. are expected to fill in until he’s ready to return.

Howard was walking with a bit of limp and Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com notes that he appears a bit heavier than his usual playing weight, but that’s not a big surprise given how the condition of his leg limited his workouts. While Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Monday that Howard is “ahead of schedule,” in his rehab, the current expectation is that he’ll be back sometime in May. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry Jr. figure to fill in until he’s ready to go.