Howard gets whiff of record

When he connects, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Ryan Howard can hit the ball a long way. Making contact is the slugger’s biggest problem.

The reigning N.L. MVP is on pace to set the major league record for strikeouts in a season. Howard has 151 strikeouts in 109 games.

At this rate, Howard would finish with 201 Ks. Adam Dunn set the record by striking out 195 times for Cincinnati in 2004.

“He’s got to start feeling comfortable, see the ball better and start swinging at strikes,” manager Charlie Manuel said.

“Get a good ball to hit is the first rule of hitting.”

Despite his strikeouts, Howard had 33 homers, 99 RBIs and was batting .256 through Thursday.

Dodgers land Wells

David Wells, 44, made it official, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the rest of the season. The burly left-hander is scheduled to pitch against the New York Mets on Sunday night.

Wells was cut by the San Diego Padres on Aug. 9.

Fielder gets reprieve

Prince Fielder had his three-game suspension that was handed down by the commissioner’s office reduced to two games.

Fielder was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount for “inappropriate and aggressive conduct” during a confrontation with plate umpire Wally Bell on Aug. 12.

Bonds honored

Barry Bonds basked in hometown adulation at San Francisco during a celebration where he received the key to the city.

Bonds was joined on stage by family, teammates, politicians and Giants greats Willie McCovey and Willie Mays.

Clearing the bases

Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Juan Valdes was suspended 50 games for violating baseball’s minor league drug rules. … A lineup of team logo baseball caps denounced as tailor-made for gang members was ordered removed from store shelves by New Era Cap after complaints from baseball officials. … Atlanta closer Bob Wickman and infielder Martin Prado were optioned to the minor leagues and the Braves recalled right-handers Jose Ascanio and Joey Devine.