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ARLINGTON, Texas — LHP J.P. Howell's season is officially over.
The Rays have shut him down for the remainder of the season, giving Howell, who ranks third in the majors in relief innings over the past two seasons, a much-needed break.
Howell, 26, said fatigue has been a factor in his struggles down the stretch though his arm feels fine. Manager Joe Maddon informed him of the decision Wednesday, saying it's the prudent way to go.
The Rays had scaled back his appearances down the stretch, and with the team being eliminated from playoff contention, Maddon said "there's nothing positive to be derived" from Howell pitching.
"Smart move," Howell said. "It's been a long … two years, to be honest. It feels like it never stopped. Here you feel like you can kind of take a breath now and get ready for next year."
Howell had a breakout season in 2008, his first full year in the bullpen, and served as the Rays' unofficial closer for a large part of this year, converting 13 straight saves during one stretch.
But in his past 17 appearances, Howell struggled, going 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA (131/3 innings, 13 walks, four homers), raising his ERA from 1.86 to 2.83. Howell last appeared Sunday, picking up his first save since Aug 29.
Howell said fatigue started getting to him in August, and it affected his mechanics. Maddon said that when Howell is sharp, his fastball is 85-87 mph. He recently saw it dip to 82-83.
With Howell making a combined 133 appearances over the past two seasons and playing at the World Baseball Classic between, it took a toll.
"There were a few games there where I couldn't really just get it," Howell said. "It was the first time since I was in the bullpen where it was just tough to control your body. So it was definitely a unique situation for me.
"But I learned a lot through that month and a half that I was trying to get through that."
Maddon praised Howell for going "above and beyond" the past couple of seasons, saying he did a good job as a closer. And though Maddon said Howell could still close, "his true value lies where you can use him wherever you want."
As for his role now, Howell jokingly called himself the "dartboard" in the bullpen; his teammates have been ribbing him pretty good.
"I'm on vacation," he said, smiling, "a paid vacation."
SONNY DAY: RHP Andy Sonnanstine has been adjusting to his new role in the bullpen, a place he could find himself next season if he doesn't crack the rotation.
Sonnanstine, whose last outing was a spot start Sept. 16, said he has been picking the brains of veteran relievers Russ Springer and Dan Wheeler on mental and physical preparation. Sonnanstine hasn't gotten much work but has learned a lot.
"Learning new trades isn't always a bad thing," Sonnanstine said. "It makes you more versatile. So far, it's been great. The guys are awesome. They've been really more than willing to help me."
CHANGING IT UP: The Rays changed their travel itinerary from previous trips to Texas, staying in nearby Fort Worth as opposed to by the ballpark. And the switch got some rave reviews.
"Twenty-minute ride, a lot of restaurants, nice hotel, nice people … great idea," Maddon said.
Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.
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