Howard only started swinging a bat less than two weeks ago, and he’s uncertain when he’ll return to his cleanup spot in the Phillies’ lineup.
“I’m not going to put a time limit on it. I’m going to listen to my body and see where we are,’’ Howard said.
Howard ruptured his Achilles while making the final out in Philadelphia’s 1-0 loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the NL Division Series last October.
The Phillies haven’t figured out how they will replace Howard early in the season. They signed veteran Jim Thome, acquired Ty Wigginton, and also have John Mayberry Jr.
Nova says he’s heathy
Ivan Nova’s arm feels fine, and he said there are no aftereffects of the injury that cut short his start in Game 5 of the AL Division Series as the Yankees were eliminated. After leading major league rookies in wins last season, Nova (16-4, 3.70 ERA) got the win in the rain-interrupted opener against Detroit. But he lost the series finale, leaving after just two innings because of a strained flexor in his right forearm . . . Injured pitcher David Aardsma agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract with the Yankees. The 30-year-old missed all of 2011 with hip and elbow injuries. “He’s someone with a lot of ability that we feel will be a benefit for us in the long run,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said. “Maybe it’s more 2013, there’s an outside chance in 2012.’’ . . . Former Yankees manager Lou Piniella was hired by the team’s YES Network as a special contributor.
Abreu wants regular role
