Ryan Howard will start at first base for the Philadelphia Phillies to begin this season, according to Ryne Sandberg.

The Phillies have been attempting to rebuild and trade Howard.

Howard has never fully rebounded after tearing his left Achilles tendon during the final out of Philadelphia's 2011 season.

"Right now he's here to prepare for the season as one of the guys," Sandberg said.

"If he gets to where he's hitting 30-35 home runs, which is good home runs for this day and age of baseball, he can help us win games this year. To see him in the spring and see him prepare and have him get ready, he's here. Right now, unless he gets unseated he's the first baseman."