J.P. Howell gave up three runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings Saturday in a loss to the Mariners.
A fluky triple play made the outing look better than it was. In the first inning, Seattle had Jose Lopez on third and Adrian Beltre on first when Raul Ibanez struck out on a 3-2 pitch. Beltre broke for second on the play, but pulled up short of the base when catcher Dioner Navarro's throw easily beat him to the base. Shortstop Zobrist caught Navarro's throw and took a few steps before tagging out Beltre as he headed back toward first. Zobrist then threw home and Navarro tagged out Lopez on his attempt to score from third. Howell, who is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA, might be bounced from the rotation with Jae Seo returning. It could depend on how Brian Stokes performs Sunday.
So, who has been more disappointing to their new teams? Seo (LA and TB) or Howell (TB). I mean, major talent (or notable) got dealt for these guys, and they suck