Gamblers will have to decide if they want to make an online wager on the Philadelphia Phillies knowing that the Phillies will be without All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard for at least the next two weeks.
The Phillies could really be hurt vs. online wagering odds without Howard in the lineup as he leads the National League in RBIs. Online wager odds are not impacted a great deal by injuries in Major League Baseball since it is a team sport but losing a big power hitter does hurt. The Phillies were making a big push to catch the Atlanta Braves in the National League and that may slow down without Howard in the lineup. The Phillies put Howard on the DL with a sprained left ankle. They are hoping to have him back in two weeks. Howard was hurt while sliding into second base in Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Philadelphia has been dealing with a lot of injuries this season. Howard is the 15th player to go on the DL for the Phillies this season. The Phillies are already without Chase Utley and Shane Victorino and now they will be without Howard. The Phillies will miss the power that Howard provided. He was hitting .292 with 23 home runs. Philadelphia had moved into the Top 10 in runs scored but they figure to slip a little bit with all of their injuries.
The Phillies may have to start winning some low scoring games in online wagering without Howard in the lineup. They acquired Roy Oswalt at the trading deadline so perhaps their pitching can carry the load while Howard is out. The Phillies have the 12th best ERA in the league and they need that number to improve. Philadelphia faces Florida this week and the Mets over the weekend. Neither of those two teams is that strong offensively so the Phillies may be able to get some pitching to win low scoring games. Making an online wager on the Phillies won’t be as popular without Howard in the lineup but it still could be profitable. Another option with an online wager could be taking Philadelphia games under the total until they get their big slugger back into the lineup.