Howard hit his a solo home run, his sixth, in Tuesday's win over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The home run accounted for the only run of the game. Howard has been hitting for solid power this year, as his .226 isolated power would be his best since 2011, but he is striking out more than ever (34 percent) and will struggle to even reach the Mendoza line if he can't make more contact.

Howard was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and a walk-off solo home run in the Phillies' win over Cleveland in 11 innings Friday night.

EDGE Analysis

Howard is hitting a weak .214 on the year, but he has shown a flair for the dramatic with five home runs and 10 RBI to help the surprising Phillies build a 13-10 record. He'll sit against many tough lefties, and the average is not likely to be much help in fantasy circles, but he can still hit the ball a long way when he connects.

Howard is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice reports.

EDGE Analysis

This comes as no surprise, as the Phillies are primarily playing right-handed hitters against left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Darin Ruf will take over at first base in his place.

Howard is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

EDGE Analysis

Howard's absence is not particularly surprising given that the Philles are squaring off against Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez on Sunday. Darin Ruf will get the start at first base with the Phillies employing a righty-heavy lineup Sunday afternoon.

Howard was 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the Phillies' loss to Washington on Friday night.

EDGE Analysis

The 36-year-old Howard now has four home runs and seven RBI but it comes with a weak .219 average. The Phillies are in rebuilding mode, and Howard would be on another roster if the Phillies could find a taker, but he's past his prime and there just isn't much demand for the aging slugger.

Howard went 1-for-2 with his third home run of the season in Thursday's win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Now in his 13th season, the veteran is off to a concerning start. Over the past three seasons, April has typically been one of Howard's best months. There are many factors working against the 36-year-old, including his age and lack of talent around him. Howard has had a great career, but at this point there are plenty of better options at first base.

Howard went 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk in Thursday's win over the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

The home run was notable because it came off a lefty. Howard would not have been in the lineup if Darin Ruf (shoulder) had been available to start. Manager Pete Mackanin told Evan Webeck of MLB.com that Ruf will return to starting against lefties this weekend despite Howard's performance on Thursday.

Howard will start against a left-handed pitcher Tuesday due to Darin Ruf being out with shoulder soreness.

EDGE Analysis

Howard typically only starts against right-handed pitching, while Ruf receives most of the work against lefties. However, Ruf is experiencing shoulder soreness, which means Howard will likely become the everyday first baseman until Ruf is fully healthy.

Howard went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Thursday's loss to the Reds. His two-run homer in the fifth inning off rookie Robert Stephenson was Howard's first of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Howard is hitting .333 (3-for-9) with one home run and two RBI through the team's first four games. Last season, the first baseman hit a dismal .194 in April, so it is encouraging to see him start the 2016 campaign with some success. The 36-year-old is well past him prime, but Howard still has the power to make a significant impact in any format.

Howard is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Darin Ruf will replace Howard in the lineup Wednesday with the Phillies facing Cincinnati lefty Brandon Finnegan. Unless Howard has an unexpected turnaround against left-handed pitching, expect Howard to sit out in place of Ruf on most days where Philadelphia faces a southpaw.