Ryan Howard injury: Will have surgery on knee, out 6-8 weeks

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard will have surgery on his torn meniscus that will keep him out of play for 6-8 weeks, the team announced on Monday. Howard had an MRI exam before being placed on the disabled list with an injury to the left knee.

Howard's injury will likely keep him out until late August. The injury could be season-ending if there are any setbacks during recovery.

The surgery has not been scheduled yet, but it will take place soon, according to Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Howard was hitting .266 with 11 home runs, 43 RBI in 317 plate appearances with a .319 OBP. He had played in 80 of 89 games up to this point in the season.

Howard, who will be 34 years old in November, struggled after returning from injury last season when he was recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. The Phillies still have to pay Howard a significant amount of money to Howard, who is owed $20MM this season and $25MM per season for 2014, 2015 and 2016. In addition, there is a $23MM team option or $10MM buyout for 2017.

To fill the roster spot, the Phillies called up 1B Darin Ruf from Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley.

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