It's been a long road to recovery for Ryan Howard, but it appears he will finally make his 2012 MLB debut on Friday.

Howard likely to start in Philly tomorrow night.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 6, 2012

Howard tore his achillies tendon running to first base on the final play of Game 5 of the NLDS when the Phillies were eliminated. He had surgery in October and was expected to miss 5-6 months with the hope he would return to the Phillies in April. That hope was dashed in late February when Howard was forced to have a second surgery due to an infection.

He resumed baseball activities in late April before beginning his rehab assignment on June 29. The Phillies can only hope Howard will have an immediate impact. Philadelphia is currently last in the NL East, 13 games behind the leading Nationals.

Stay up to date on Ryan Howard's progress at Phillies blog The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly.