Game Chat: Humid with a Chance of Ice Cream

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Good news for ice cream lovers who feared they'd have to wait until 2013 for Carlos Ruiz to return to action as Chooch has been activated from the DL this afternoon and is back in the Phillies dugout. He's not in the starting lineup, however, as he'll likely be eased back into a couple-of-times-per-week type of role, but he is available to pinch hit.

With Chooch returning from the DL, Placido Polanco will replace him there. Polly says he's done for the season with his back issues but does hope to play more baseball in 2013.

Those heading down to the game will be saddened to learn that you will not see Ryan Howard in the lineup tonight. The Big Piece is simply getting a night off. Ty Wigginton will man first base and bat cleanup.

Cliff Lee (4-7, 3.52) will face Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis (5-4, 5.73) tonight at the humid Citizens Bank Park. It may be September but it certainly feels like hitting weather to me.

Rec'd Reading: Check out Matt Gelb's piece on Erik Kratz. Fun, heart-warming type stuff.

Some notes from the beats:

And tonight's lineup:

7:05 start per usual. It's hot out there. Be sure to eat plenty of ice cream.

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