Jim Thome played first base for four innings on Monday, marking the first time he had played the position since 2007. The Phillies are hoping Thome, who has not played regularly at first since 2005, can play as many as 20 games there this season. Thome, 41, has a history of back issues that could keep him from doing so. "It felt good to be out there," he said. "It was just a lot of fun. It makes you really appreciate guys that win Gold Gloves and go out there, really good defensive players. Defense is something, for sure, for me personally I've always had to work real hard at. Hopefully we'll continue to do that and get better as we go." Ryan Howard is recovering from an infection near his left Achilles and might not be back until midseason.