The Philadelphia Phillies are close to a long-term decision about how they'll handle first base, according to Pete Mackanin.

Ryan Howard has been slowly losing starts to Tommy Joseph.

Howard has been professional about the transition in the clubhouse, but Mackanin, Howard and Joseph are still asked about the situation daily.

"The whole thing is delicate and a lot of it concerns me," Mackanin said. "I'm sure [Howard's] not happy about the position he's in. I'm not happy about it. I've got to do something at some point, we'll see what happens. It's not a lot of fun.

"I'm just gonna get a look at him [Tuesday], see how he looks, and I'll probably make a decision on how I'll handle the whole thing in the near future."

Howard is still owed about $25 million between his 2016 salary and 2017 buyout of $10 million.