Howard dealing with left knee swelling

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard only has so many more opportunities to play in front of the hometown crowd as a member of the Phillies. But he had to be scratched from Saturday night’s game against the Marlins because of swelling in his left knee.

Howard said before the game that he has “a little bit” of fluid in the knee. He underwent surgery on it in July 2013, forcing him to miss the rest of the season, and he had the knee drained last September, which cost him the final couple of weeks.

Asked if he could play Sunday afternoon in the series finale, Howard said, “We’ll see.”

The Phillies have six games remaining at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said earlier this week that the Phillies will honor Howard’s many accomplishments in some fashion. Howard is in the final season of a five-year, $125 million contract. The team has a $23 million club option for 2017, but they are certain to take a $10 million buyout …

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