Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (knee) took batting practice Friday, Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
It's the first time that Howard swung in batting practice since being sidelined with a knee injury on Sept. 14. The 35-year-old is still hoping to return before the end of the season, but there's still no clear timetable. Darin Ruf figures to continue filling in at first base in his absence.