Howard out of hospital after flu scare

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PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howard was released from the hospital Sunday but did not play for the Philadelphia Phillies against Baltimore, ending his consecutive games streak at 343.

Howard

Howard was hospitalized Saturday for the second time in two nights with flu symptoms. The slugger was released Sunday but was not at the ballpark for Philadelphia's 2-1 loss to the Orioles.

Howard had at CT scan and needed antibiotics. He might have a sinus infection, Phillies trainer Scott Sheridan said.

The 2006 NL MVP had played 343 straight games since May 25, 2007, the longest active streak in the majors.

Howard also went to the hospital after Friday's game. He was not expected to play Saturday, but he returned to the ballpark and delivered a pinch-hit, three-run homer that put Philadelphia ahead in the seventh inning. The Orioles rallied for a 6-5 victory.

Matt Stairs replaced Howard in the cleanup spot Sunday and Greg Dobbs filled in at first base. Dobbs hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

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