The Phils’ top pitching prospect tossed three innings Thursday, allowing one run on one hit, with three strikeouts and two walks.
“We saw some electric stuff the first couple of innings,” said Phils manager Joe Girardi, who felt Howard fatigued a little at the end of his outing.
It remains to be seen where the soon-to-be 24-year-old will start the season. Will it be in Lehigh Valley off of the 30-man roster, or will be with the club at Citizens Bank Park on July 24, when the Marlins visit Philadelphia?
If Howard does not make the Opening Day roster, it could simply be to give the Phils an extra year of control over Howard before he’s eligible for free agency later this decade. But, even if he’s not in South Philadelphia next week, it would be extremely surprising if he didn’t make his big league debut in 2020.
“It’s important that he gets innings somewhere,” Girardi said. “This kid needs to pitch.”
Earlier this week, pitching coach Bryan Price said of Howard: “I would really hope and expect to see him pitching here — if not on Opening Day, then at some point and time, because he really needs the work and I think he’s ready to compete at this level.”
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