Lakewood, N.J. ? Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hit a game-winning home run and went 2-for-3 with four RBIs in a rehab start Wednesday at Class A Lakewood.

The game, a 7-4 win over the Hagerstown Suns, was Howard’s first since May 9. The National League’s 2006 Most Valuable Player is preparing to come off the disabled list for a strained left quadriceps.

“We look for him to come back, hopefully Friday, and be in the lineup,” said Phillies general manager Pat Gillick, who watched the game with team president Dave Montgomery.

Iwamura could return

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Tampa Bay Devil Rays third baseman Akinori Iwamura could return from a right oblique strain on Monday.