Howard will start a bullpen game for the Pirates on Friday against the Phillies, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.
Howard has not thrown multiple innings in any of his last four outings and has not completed more than two frames across the entire season. Given that, he will likely be in for a very short outing. Miguel Yajure -- originally projected to start the game -- could serve as a bulk reliever after Howard's exit, though no official plans have been announced by the team.