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Atlanta Braves: Ryan Howard To Join Gwinnett Saturday

By Andrew Snyder

Sep 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) hits a double against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) hits a double against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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When will a former Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger make his first appearance in an Atlanta Braves uniform?

The Atlanta Braves made headlines just after the start of the 2017 regular season by bringing a former rival into their organization. On April 6, the Braves signed former Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger Ryan Howard to a minor league deal.

It was curious move, but a move that has no real downside. If Howard scuffles in Triple-A, then the Braves don’t really lose anything other than minor league salary. If he proves he can still hit, Howard could bring power off the bench as a pinch hitter and serve as the DH when Atlanta plays in an American League ballpark.

Howard is far from the player he was during his prime. For his career he’s a .258/.343/.515 hitter with 382 home runs. His best season came in 2006 when he slashed .313/.425/.659 and won the National League’s MVP award.

Howard began his decline several years ago, thanks in large part to an Achilles injury. He hasn’t posted a season with an fWAR above 1.6 since 2009. He hasn’t had a full-season fWAR that was positive since 2013. That being said, he can still hit the ball out of the park. He hit 25 homers in 362 plate appearances last season.

It’s been two weeks since his signing and Howard has yet to be activated by the Gwinnett Braves. Earlier in the week David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that there was no timetable for Howard’s debut in Gwinnett.

He’s currently still in Atlanta’s extended spring training program in Florida.

Here’s what Braves manager Brian Snitker had to say to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Howard’s progress.

"“Like spring training for him right now,” Snitker said. “The good thing is he’s not on any medical report. Just getting going now.”"

That may be about to change. Mark Bowman of MLB.com is reporting that Howard will likely be added to Gwinnett’s roster tomorrow.

It’s not like the Braves are hurting without him, but he’d be a better late game pinch hitting option than Chase d’Arnaud and Anthony Recker. Will he ever see the field in Atlanta? That’s tough to say. At least it sounds like he’s healthy.

Next: Atlanta Braves Minor League Midweek Wrap-Up

One thing is certain. He’s going to look really strange in a Braves uniform.

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