J.P.

Howell

Howell will get another start Sunday, but he’ll have to be a lot better than this in order to remain in the rotation after that. He’s not an option in AL-only leagues right now.

In two starts while filling in for Scott Kazmir, Howell gave up 10 earned runs over 8 1/3 innings. He’ll be back in September, though perhaps not as a starting pitcher.

Howell will make at least two starts, the first coming Tuesday against the Tigers. He can’t be used in AL-only leagues right now, but if he does well, he should earn a permanent rotation spot.

That Howell is just coming back from a shoulder injury makes this a risky deal for the Rays. However, all indications were that the problem was minor, and Howell, who was rushed to the majors a year after being made the 31st overall selection in the 2004 draft, projects as a solid No. 4 starter in the majors. He might be ready to contribute by the All-Star break. Right now, he’s still regaining arm strength. Fantasy leaguers should be able to ignore him until 2007.

Howell is building his pitch count back up after missing the month of May with shoulder stiffness. He’ll be a candidate to join Kansas City’s rotation after the All-Star break.

Howell struggled in both of his starts in place of Scott Kazmir earlier this month, allowing 10 earned runs over 8 1/3 innings. He’ll probably replace him in the rotation once again, but he should be left in the free-agent pool in AL-only leagues.

Farnsworth isn’t sure how long he’ll be sidelined, but it doesn’t appear to be a major concern right now. Either way, he will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. Rays manager Joe Maddon is likely to go with a closer-by-committee with the closer role, but Joel Peralta is the one to target in mixed leagues. Fernando Rodney and J.P. Howell are among the other possibilities.

It’s not yet clear if this will impact his availability for the start of the season, but he dealt with something similar down the stretch last year. Joel Peralta, Jake McGee, J.P. Howell and Fernando Rodney could all be options for the ninth inning if he isn’t ready.

Farnsworth is currently dealing with elbow soreness and is scheduled to see a doctor on Tuesday. The full extent of the injury isn’t yet known, but it’s looking unlikely that he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Joel Peralta should be considered the favorite for saves, but J.P. Howell, Fernando Rodney and Jake McGee could also figure in.

He walked a batter and induced three ground outs in the 13-pitch frame. Howell has not shown the same dominance since undergoing shoulder surgery in 2010. Coming off a miserable 2011 season, he has rebounded nicely with a 2.35 ERA. But keep in mind that opponents are batting .276 against him.