Howard may return to Phillies’ lineup Tuesday in Tampa

Howard could return to Phillies’ lineup Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies slugger Ryan Howard could return to the lineup Tuesday at Tampa Bay after being hospitalized over the weekend with flu symptoms.

The team said on Monday that he has acute sinusitis.

Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement that Howard was resting at home and would rejoin the team for the three-game series if he felt well enough.

Howard missed Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Baltimore, ending his consecutive games streak at 343. It was the longest active streak in the majors.

The 2006 NL MVP went to the hospital hours after Friday’s game. He wasn’t expected to play Saturday, but delivered a pinch-hit, three-run homer in Philadelphia’s 6-5 loss to the Orioles.

Howard was hospitalized again Saturday and wasn’t at the ballpark on Sunday.