X-Ray on Howard's wrist negative

WASHINGTON -- Ryan Howard had his right wrist wrapped following the Phillies' 3-2 victory over the Nationals. He also had an X-Ray performed that returned negative, according to a team official, after he was plunked on the wrist by Washington lefthander John Lannan.

His status for Thursday's series finale is unknown.

Howard was hit in the fifth and it forced in a run as the Phillies took a 3-0 lead. It turned out to be a huge run once Roy Halladay allowed two in the ninth.

Right after being plunked, Howard clapped his hands as he walked away from home plate, so it didn't appear anything was serious.

Lannan, of course, was the one who hit Chase Utley when making his major-league debut against the Phillies in 2007. The pitch broke Utley's hand and he was on the disabled list for 31 days.

Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.

Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for easy access to all of our Phillies coverage, plus app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.