Howard struck out three in a perfect inning in Friday's 8-6 loss to Philadelphia.
The southpaw did his job as the opener in Friday's bullpen game, mowing through the top of Philadelphia's order in just 12 pitches (nine strikes). Howard owns a 5.66 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 54:29 K:BB through 41.1 innings while logging 11 holds in 50 appearances. The 28-year-old is most likely to resume a low-leverage relief role going forward.