Howard's home run against Jon Lester in the fourth inning was just his second career hit against A's pitching. Some of those home runs have been to center field and left-center field off the left-handed pitching. Howard jumped on Lester's first pitch of the frame for his 22nd homer, a blast that sailed well over the center field fence. Phillies starter David Buchanan (6-8) gave up three runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings. "The way that he's handled himself, the poise that he's shown, starting in spring training — he got a spring training invite and took advantage of it," Howard said. Buchanan settled in after giving up three consecutive, two-out RBI singles, to Derek Norris, Eric Sogard and Coco Crisp. Phillies: INF Jimmy Rollins is getting closer to returning after missing nearly two weeks with a left hamstring strain. Drew Pomeranz (5-4, 2.53) makes his first start since a spot outing Aug.