Another one bites the dust

The Philadelphia Phillies’ season-long wave of injuries has claimed All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard for at least 15 days. Howard, who was leading the N.L. with 81 RBIs, went on the disabled list Tuesday because of a sprained left ankle. The Phillies said the sprain was moderate. The 2006 N.L. MVP was hurt Sunday while sliding into second base at Washington. He traveled with the team to Miami, but when swelling in the ankle became worse, he returned to Philadelphia for an MRI exam Tuesday. Howard is the 15th Phillies player to go on the disabled list this season. Red Sox lose Youkilis The Boston Red Sox put first baseman Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day DL with a thumb injury and acknowledged that his season could be over if he needs surgery. Youkilis tore a muscle in his right thumb during Monday night’s 6-5 loss to Cleveland. He lined out to end the first inning, grabbed his hand in pain and stayed in the game until the third. To take Youkilis’ place on the roster, the club activated Mike Lowell from the 15-day DL. He has been hampered by a strained right hip. Clearing the bases The Reds have put shortstop Orlando Cabrera on the 15-day DL with a strain in his left side. Cincinnati recalled infielder Juan Francisco from Triple-A Louisville. … Indians catcher Carlos Santana was put on the 15-day DL, a day after he was carried from the field on a stretcher following a collision at home plate. He has a sprained left knee. Cleveland also put designated hitter Travis Hafner on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation. … Cardinals rookie third baseman David Freese will miss the rest of the season with a tendon injury in his right leg that will require surgery. Freese was hurt rounding third base in his first rehab game for Double-A Springfield on Monday. He was put on the DL on June 28 with a bone bruise on his right ankle. … The Angels are shifting nine-time Gold Glove winning center fielder Torii Hunter to right field. He will be replaced in center by Peter Bourjos, who was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake. … Former N.L. All-Star pitcher Mark Prior, 29, is trying to make another comeback. He signed with the Orange County Flyers of the independent Golden Baseball League.