Ryan Howard

Philadelphia gives Ryan Howard the day off versus a lefty, Darin Ruf starting

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is out of the starting lineup Thursday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals.

What It Means:

Howard has homered in two straight games -- further bolstering his excellent career numbers in his hometown of St. Louis -- but he'll be on the bench in Thursday's series finale with the Cardinals' throwing left-hander Jaime Garcia. Darin Ruf is starting at first base and batting cleanup in the matinee game.

Howard has appeared at the plate 97 times this season, recording a .195/.258/.448 slash and .295 wOBA with seven jacks and 14 RBI's. Ruf is one of our preferred value plays for Thursday's DFS slate.

Source: Rotoworld