PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard was released from the hospital today but was not expected to play for the Philadelphia Phillies against Baltimore.

Howard was hospitalized for the second time in two nights with flu symptoms. A Phillies spokesman said the slugger was released Sunday but did not know if he was at the ballpark.

The 2006 NL MVP had played 343 straight games since May 25, 2007, the longest active streak in the majors.

Howard also went to the hospital after Friday's game. He was not expected to play Saturday, but he returned to the ballpark and delivered a pinch-hit, three-run homer that put Philadelphia ahead in the seventh inning. The Orioles rallied for a 6-5 victory.

Matt Stairs replaced Howard in the cleanup spot Sunday and Greg Dobbs filled in at first base. Dobbs hit a solo home run in the second inning.