JP will Howell No More

According to Joe Smith (no relation) of the St Pete Times the Rays have decided to shut-down JP Howell for the rest of the 2009 campaign.

Howell has pitched more relief innings than any pitcher in the majors over the last two seasons, and has been struggling as of late, presumably due to arm fatigue.

In the home-stretch of the season Howell has struggled quite a bit; going 1-3 with a Sonnanstine-esque 6.75 ERA, surrendering 4 homers and 13 walks over just 13 and 1/3 innings.

Howell jokingly replied to being shut-down by saying, "I'm on vacation, a paid vacation."

Rest-up JP, 2010 is just around the corner and I have a feeling that the Rays are going to need you more than ever.