Ryan Howard activated from disabled list

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Phillies have activated slugger Ryan Howard from the disabled list and the former NL MVP is expected to make his season debut on Friday night.

Howard has been sidelined the entire season after rupturing his left Achilles tendon while making the final out in Philadelphia's loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the NL division series last October. The first baseman played in seven minor league games and went 10 for 20 with a home run. He'll likely be in his customary cleanup spot when the last-place Phillies open a three-game set against Atlanta.

Hector Luna was sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Howard. Luna hit .246 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 26 games.