Howard allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out three over 1.2 innings in Friday's 6-3 loss to Atlanta.
Howard was expected to be the bulk-innings pitcher following opener Garrett Richards, but the right-hander ran into third-inning trouble. After fanning the side in the second on 23 pitches, Howard was the victim of a misplay by Adolis Garcia that resulted in an inside-the-park home run, and then he loaded the bases before being pulled. Howard got his pitch count up to a season-high 51, but the Rangers were hoping for more than five outs. He lines up to start or appear in the series opener in Yankee Stadium next Friday.