James Phillip Howell, known as J. P. Howell, embarked on his Major League Baseball career as a left-handed pitcher, making his debut with the Kansas City Royals. Drafted by the Royals in the first round of the 2004 MLB Draft, Howell quickly ascended through the minor league ranks, showcasing his skills on the mound. His major league debut came on June 11, 2005, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he pitched five innings and allowed four runs.
After a brief stint with the Royals, Howell was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (later renamed the Tampa Bay Rays) in 2006. It was with the Rays that Howell found a more stable footing in the league. Initially starting as a pitcher, he transitioned to a relief role, which proved to be a turning point in his career. Howell's adaptability and effectiveness out of the bullpen became evident, and he became a reliable option for the Rays in high-leverage situations.
The 2008 season marked a significant period for Howell and the Rays. He played a crucial role in the team's bullpen as they made a remarkable run to the World Series. Howell's performance during the postseason was commendable, as he appeared in several games and helped the Rays secure their first American League pennant. Although the Rays ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, Howell's contributions were instrumental in the team's success that year.
Howell continued to be a mainstay in the Rays' bullpen over the next few seasons. In 2009, he recorded a career-high 17 saves and maintained a solid ERA, further establishing himself as a dependable reliever. However, his career faced a setback in 2010 when he underwent shoulder surgery, causing him to miss the entire season. Despite this challenge, Howell returned to the mound in 2011, gradually regaining his form and contributing to the Rays' pitching staff.
In 2013, Howell signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the next chapter in his career. His tenure with the Dodgers was marked by consistency and effectiveness as a left-handed specialist. Howell's ability to neutralize left-handed hitters made him a valuable asset in the Dodgers' bullpen. Over the course of four seasons with the team, he maintained a respectable ERA and played a role in the Dodgers' postseason appearances.
After his time with the Dodgers, Howell signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017. Unfortunately, his stint with the Blue Jays was marred by injuries, limiting his appearances on the mound. Despite the challenges, Howell's career spanned over a decade in the major leagues, during which he demonstrated resilience and adaptability as a pitcher.
Throughout his career, Howell was known for his unique pitching style, relying on a mix of off-speed pitches and a deceptive delivery to keep hitters off balance. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his effectiveness against left-handed batters were key aspects of his role as a relief pitcher.
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