Howard (2-4) allowed two runs on one hit and one walk in just a third of an inning as he took the loss against the Cubs on Sunday.
Howard entered in the seventh with one out and a man on first and the Pirates clinging onto a one-run lead. He only stayed in to face the minimum of three batters and was pulled with the bases loaded and two outs. His replacement went on to allow a grand slam and two of those runs were charged to Howard. The 28-year-old has now allowed six runs (five earned) over 3.2 innings since returning from the injured list Aug. 28 and has lost twice during that span.