but have you noticed Howell’s performance in his last 6 outings? He has pitched 3.2 innings over that stretch and allowed 4 BBs and 5 hits. He has also avoided giving up any runs and struck out 3, but it seems that Maddon is not trusting him to get out of his own jams as he did earlier.

The result is more relievers are used in each game and more likelihood that only Reyes, Hammel and Miller are available on some nights. Since Garza’s complete game, the Rays have used 4 relievers in 4 of 6 games. The other two were a blowout and a Rays’ loss. Howell has lasted a full inning in 2 of his appearances only.

I have no criticism of Howell. He has been critical to the Rays’ success and is a great story, but he has been worked hard and is not an overpowering pitcher. I think Maddon realizes that if he is slightly off, the dam can burst very fast and is using the bullpen with that in mind. It is just as blinkered to ignore Howell’s past problems in the majors as it is to ignore Floyd’s past successes or Gross’s useful skills.

That is why I still think the bullpen is more shaky than we may realize. For that reason I do think it possible Salas and/or Price may be up sooner rather than later, although it would take a serious rethinking of their approach for the Rays to promote Price just to shore up the bullpen.