Phillies 1B Ryan Howard back in starting lineup for Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay

Howard back in lineup

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Phillies slugger Ryan Howard is in the starting lineup as the designated hitter for Tuesday night’s game at Tampa Bay after being hospitalized over the weekend with acute sinusitis.

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.

“Am I 100 percent? No,” Howard said before Tuesday’s game. “But I’m a lot better. 75-80 percent. Right now it’s mostly congestion.”

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 Sunday.

“You can always use Mr. Howard in your lineup,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “He wants to play.”

Also, the Phillies placed reliever Clay Condrey on the 15-day disabled list and recalled left-hander Sergio Escalona from Triple-A Leigh Valley.

“I know it’s mild,” the right-hander said of the injury.

Outfielder Raul Ibanez, on the 15-day disabled list due to a left groin strain, has resumed batting practice and a light running program. He hopes to be ready when eligible to come off the DL on July 3.

“I think that’s what the goal is,” Ibanez said. “It’s better. It’s been getting better.”

Closer Brad Lidge, out with a right knee injury, was scheduled to make a rehab appearance Tuesday night for Single-A Clearwater. The Phillies will decide after the outing if the right-hander will rejoin the team or pitch one more time in the minors.

Manuel said Lidge will be in the closer’s role when he returns.