Ryan Howard will be on the bench for the Philadelphia Phillies this season if he doesn't hit, according to manager Pete Mackanin.

"It's going to be a difficult situation," Mackanin said. "But decisions have to be made. And I have to do what I think is best for the organization and the team."

Howard is entering his 12th and most likely final year with the Phillies.

The former MVP has hit below .230 in three of the last four years. He had a .418 OPS in 100 at-bats against lefties last season, so Mackanin likely wants to see Darin Ruf play more.