By: Brandon Apter, contributor

This past weekend in Chicago, Pete Mackanin said that he planned to continue trimming Ryan Howard's playing time against right-handed pitchers to give Tommy Joseph more of an extended look. During the first two games of the series against Washington, Howard started and went 1-for-7 with an RBI-double and three strikeouts. Tonight against Max Scherzer, Tommy Joseph is starting at first base as Mackanin plans to have Howard sit for at least 3-4 days.

Pete Mackanin told Ryan Howard he will not play next 3-4 days. He wants to see more Tommy Joseph. — Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) June 1, 2016

Through a series of tweets from Ryan Lawrence of Philly Voice, it's not one bit surprising that Howard took the news with extreme professionalism and class. He told Mackanin that he completely understands the decision while also taking an initiative to talk to Tommy Joseph, so he could mentally prepare.

"I said, 'Hey, you’re in there the next 3-4 days, whatever it may be. Do what you’ve got to do to go out and kick some butt.'" — Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) June 1, 2016

If Joseph performs well over the next few days, the 3-4 day benching for Howard could last longer, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. If that is the case and things don't improve for the 36-year-old, Howard does not plan to hang up the cleats.

This season for the Phillies, Ryan Howard is hitting .154 with eight homers and 19 RBI's. He's struck out 53 times and walked just 12 times in 143 at-bats. Tommy Joseph is hitting .270 with a double, three homers, five RBI's, four runs scored, a walk and 12 strikeouts in 37 at-bats for the Phillies since being called up.