SPENCER HOWARD NEWS

Walks five in no-decision Howard gave up two earned runs on five hits and five walks while striking out three in a 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Mariners on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Howard was somewhat effective in his third start since being recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on July 5. The 25-year-old right-hander managed to eat five innings while only giving up two earned runs on a home run to Carlos Santana. The five free passes are concerning, but the positives to take away are two consecutive outings of five innings and a career-high-tying 91 pitches. Howard's 7.70 FIP suggests that his bloated 6.97 ERA may not be due for improvement unless he can make a significant adjustment, but the right-hander has been better during his current stint in the majors (4.50 ERA, 14 IP) than he was during a three-game April stretch (12.15 ERA, 6.2 IP, 8.1 HR/9), which resulted in a demotion to the minors. Another silver lining is that he is slated to start in a favorable matchup against the Athletics his next time out after the All-Star break.

JULY 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Solid in Monday's win Howard (1-1) earned the win Monday over the Athletics. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and struck out one over five innings.

Impact Howard got through three innings without trouble, then allowed an RBI single to Seth Brown in the fourth and a solo home run to Sheldon Neuse in the fifth. The Athletics rallied late against the Rangers' bullpen, but Brett Martin closed it out to earn Howard his first win in five appearances this year. Howard allowed four runs in four innings in his previous start, so this was a marked improvement for the right-hander. He still has an 8.04 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB through 15.2 innings, but with Dane Dunning (ankle) landing on the injured list, Howard should get an extended look in the rotation. He's lined up for a weekend home start versus the Mariners.

JULY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Gets second start Monday Howard is scheduled to start Monday's home game against the Athletics, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Impact Texas previously listed Howard as its starter for Tuesday, but rather than being moved back a day in the pitching schedule, he'll take the hill on five days' rest for the Rangers' first game of the week. He earned his second turn through the rotation after he covered four frames while allowing four earned runs on six hits and two walks in an extra-inning loss to the Orioles on July 5. He likely won't have a long leash for a starting role, however, so Howard may need to turn in a pair of decent showings during the upcoming week to ensure he sticks in the rotation after the All-Star break. Following Monday's outing, Howard lines up to start the Rangers' penultimate game of the first half Saturday versus the Mariners.

JULY 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Next start coming Tuesday Howard is scheduled to start Tuesday's home game against the Athletics.

Impact Howard will earn a second turn through the rotation after he covered four frames while allowing four earned runs on six hits and two walks in an extra-inning loss to the Orioles on July 5. He likely won't have a long leash for a starting role, however, so Howard may need to turn in a pair of decent showings during the upcoming week to ensure he sticks in the rotation after the All-Star break. Following Tuesday's outing, Howard lines up to start the Rangers' final game of the first half July 17 versus the Mariners.

JULY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Looks to solidify rotation spot Texas manager Chris Woodward said Howard is expected to get another start after re-entering the Rangers' rotation Tuesday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports. "His stuff is good enough...

Impact Howard gave up four runs over four innings against the Orioles on Tuesday. Other than the second inning, when he allowed all the runs to score, Howard made a positive impression on Woodward. The right-hander has pitched well in the minors, posting a 3.69 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 10 starts, but the results against MLB hitters has been the opposite (10.97 ERA, six HR in 10.2 IP). Having removed Taylor Hearn from the rotation, the Rangers are looking at Howard and Glenn Otto to take hold at the back end of the rotation.

JULY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Lasts four frames in no-decision Howard allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over four innings during Tuesday's extra-inning loss at Baltimore. He had two strikeouts and didn't factor in the decision.

Impact Howard was promoted Tuesday for his first big-league appearance since late April, but he generated only five swinging strikes on 68 pitches. The 25-year-old has a 10.97 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB across 10.2 innings this season, and he's not guaranteed to receive another turn through the rotation. However, should Howard receive another start, he tentatively lines up to pitch early next week versus the A's.

JULY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Promoted for Tuesday's start Howard was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock ahead of his start against the Orioles on Tuesday.

Impact The 25-year-old opened the season in the majors but has been at Triple-A since later April, and he has a 3.69 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 60:19 K:BB over 46.1 frames in 10 starts for Round Rock. Howard will is now taking the big-league rotation spot of Taylor Hearn, who was demoted to the minors last week.

JULY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Set to start Tuesday Howard will start Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Impact Howard has not appeared in a big-league game since late April, but he will get another shot at the top level after posting a 1.59 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 25:3 K:BB in 17.0 innings over his last three starts with Triple-A Round Rock.

JULY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rangers Starting Pitcher Shines at Round Rock Spencer Howard started the season in the Rangers’ rotation, but he’s making a case for a comeback

JULY 1, 2022 • KANSASCITY.COM

Could join rotation Texas manager Chris Woodward said Howard could eventually slot into the major-league rotation but not immediately, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Impact After the Rangers optioned Taylor Hearn to Triple-A Round Rock, where he'll transition from starter to a multi-inning bullpen role, Texas seeks a solution for the back end of the rotation. The club can get back with four starters until July 5. Howard has been the best of breed at Round Rock, hitting his stride over the last five starts with a 3.24 ERA, 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 25 innings. He's yet to throw more than five innings, but Howard could be serviceable by early July.

JUNE 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

As Phillies plan for trade deadline and weigh parting with prospects, revisiting the Kyle Gibson-Spencer Howard trade Dave Dombrowski has a track record of dealing top prospects. Will the Phillies take a calculated risk and look to "sell high" on someone?

JUNE 22, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Sent down Saturday Howard was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Impact Howard threw just 51 pitches during Friday's loss to Atlanta, and he'll be sent to the minors to work on increasing his pitch count. The Rangers have two days off next week, so the team will likely be able to utilize a four-man rotation uless Jon Gray (knee) is able to return in the coming days.

APRIL 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pitch count up, not innings 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.

Impact 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.

APRIL 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Working behind opener again Howard will serve as the primary pitcher behind opener Garrett Richards during Friday's game against Atlanta, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Impact Howard worked behind an opener while returning from a finger injury Sunday against the Athletics, and he allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out four in two innings to take the loss. He'll presumably attempt to increase his pitch count after tossing 39 pitches during his last outing.

APRIL 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Two innings in return Howard (0-1) took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in two innings while striking out four as the Rangers fell 2-0 Sunday in Oakland.

Impact Howard (finger) returned from the 10-day injured list and relieved opener Garrett Richards. The righty retired the side in order in the third but ran into trouble in the fourth, allowing a single and, later, a two-run home run to Stephen Piscotty. The appearance actually lowered the 25-year-old's career ERA as a Ranger to 10.59. That high number is partially due to having allowed 10 home runs in 26.1 career innings for Texas. After allowing only 11 home runs in 235 minor-league innings, Howard has allowed 18 homers in 79 innings in the majors.

APRIL 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Back from IL The Rangers activated Howard (finger) from the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Impact Though Garrett Richards is slated to open Sunday's game against the Athletics, Howard is expected to serve as the primary pitcher behind him as the righty makes his return from a brief stay on the IL with a blister and cracked nail on his throwing hand. The Rangers will likely wait and see how the Richards/Howard pairing fares Sunday before deciding whether Howard will serve a traditional starting role in his subsequent turns in the rotation or continue to work as a primary pitcher.

APRIL 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to fill bulk role Howard (finger) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list and serve as a bulk reliever behind opener Garrett Richards in Sunday's game against the Athletics, Joseph...

Impact Howard was tagged for six runs over three innings in his lone outing April 10 in Toronto before developing a cracked nail and blister on a finger on his throwing hand that resulted in a brief stint on the IL. The Rangers haven't said that Howard will permanently work behind an opener in his subsequent turns through the rotation, so having the right-hander follow Richards for Sunday's game may just allow the team to better manage the 25-year-old's workload in his return.

APRIL 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Start pushed back Howard (finger) will now start Sunday's game against the Athletics, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Impact Howard was expected to return from the 10-day injured list for Friday's series opener in Oakland, but he'll be pushed back two days since Jon Gray (knee) is expected to require a trip to the IL. Glenn Otto will now start Friday, while Howard will get a few extra days of rest. Howard allowed six runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five in three innings during his season debut against the Blue Jays.

APRIL 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Coming back Friday Howard (finger) will be activated off the injured list and start Friday's game in Oakland, Doug Miller of MLB.com reports.

Impact Texas manager Chris Woodward confirmed the news that Howard would start barring any unforeseen circumstances. The right-hander has been on the 10-day IL with a blister after coughing up six runs and four home runs in three innings in his season debut against Toronto.

APRIL 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rangers shuffle staff with Howard to IL, Richards back in mix ARLINGTON -- The Rangers made a number of roster moves Thursday, most notably placing right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana on the COVID-19 li...

APRIL 14, 2022 • MLB.COM

Placed on 10-day IL Howard was placed on the 10-day injured list with a cracked finger nail/blister Thursday, retroactive to April 11.

Impact Howard was scheduled to start Friday's game against the Angels, but he's dealing with a finger issue that will force him to miss time. Since the move was backdated, it's possible he'll be able to return after missing just one turn through the rotation. The Rangers haven't yet indicated who will start Friday's matchup, but the team will likely rely heavily on its bullpen.

APRIL 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Serves up four homers Howard allowed six runs on six hits -- including four home runs -- over three innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

Impact To his credit, the 25-year-old Howard was willing to attack the strike zone against one of the best lineups in baseball. He lived in the zone a little too much and George Springer, Matt Chapman, Danny Jansen and Vladimir Guerrero all made him pay with long balls. The matchups will get easier and Howard has some prospect pedigree, but it will be difficult to trust him in fantasy until he proves more at the big-league level. Up next is a home start against the Angels.

APRIL 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Named fifth starter Texas manager Chris Woodward said Saturday that Howard will be the team's fifth starter, Levi Weaver and Lindsey Adler of The Athletic report.

Impact Howard had better spring performances than fellow young hurlers A.J. Alexy and Glenn Otto, and the Rangers apparently settled on Kolby Allard as a reliever. The 25-year-old Howard had a combined 7.43 ERA in 2021 for Philadelphia and Texas (9.70 in eight starts with the Rangers), so there's risk involved.

APRIL 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Projected No. 5 starter Howard is expected to be the Rangers' No. 5 starter, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Impact Landry's projected roster has Howard winning the No. 5 job over A.J. Alexy, Kolby Allard and Glenn Otto. Howard has given up one run on five hits while striking out three over five Cactus League innings (two starts). He's expected to make one more start during spring training. Earlier this spring, manager Chris Woodward told Landry that Howard, Alexy and Otto may benefit from more time at Triple-A but more should be gleaned in the coming days, after which the shape of the rotation should take form.

APRIL 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Is Bryson Stott the prospect to get the Phillies over the hump?

The Phillies haven't had a homegrown prospect break through in years. Bryson Stott could soon change that, Jake Mintz writes.

MARCH 30, 2022