Phils' Howard undergoes Achilles surgery

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has undergone successful surgery on his torn left Achilles tendon, the team said Wednesday.

The procedure was performed by foot and ankle specialist Mark Myerson, who also gave the slugger a platelet-rich plasma injection.

Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro said it will take "five to six months" for Howard to recover sufficiently to "play at his accustomed level."

"A lot depends on how he recovers," he added. "The start of the season could be impacted, but I still hope he makes his first at-bat of the season."

Amaro said Howard would be kept off his feet for as long as two weeks and could begin weight-bearing activities in about one month, MLB.com reported.

Howard completely tore the tendon last week while making the final out in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.