GM Matt Klentak said the Phillies have no plans to release Howard, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Klentak said Howard has not been a distraction since being demoted to a bench role, and the Phillies still value his power bat coming off the bench. Howard has made just four starts this month, and two of those came as a DH while the Phils were in Toronto. His opportunities will be limited over the remainder of the season.