Flu-like symptoms continue for Ryan Howard

PHILADELPHIA, June 21 (UPI) -- Philadelphia first baseman Ryan Howard's major league-leading run of consecutive games played ended Sunday at 343 as he was sidelined by flu-like symptoms.

Howard, last year's National League most valuable player, was hospitalized Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, he left his hospittal bed to belt a pinch three-run homer in a 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Sunday, he was released from the hospital but didn't play in a 2-1 loss.

The Phillies replaced him at first base with Greg Dobbs for both games.

Howard's fever rose to 103.9 degrees before he was hospitalized Saturday, and Sunday.

Cal Ripken Jr.'s major league record of 2,632 straight games played wasn't in any immediate jeopardy of being broken.