Is J.P. Howell raising concern at exactly the wrong time for Dodgers?

The Dodgers are undergoing their “all hands on deck” experiment Sunday in Chicago. Sure, it’s disconcerting that a team going into the final week of the season and trying to win its division should be forced into this situation.

Perhaps more troubling down the road is the condition of their best reliever not named Kenley Jansen – J.P. Howell.

Howell has been remarkably consistent all season (2.27 ERA, 1.13 WHIP), or at least until his last two outings. Having pitched the last two days and struggling, he presumably will be one reliever not available in today’s “bullpen” start.

Howell gave up six earned runs in the last two days – equaling his entire season output – adding to the concern he may be wearing down. And with a bullpen this shaky, that’s a very real concern.

The left-hander has appeared in 66 games, despite going nine games between appearances until Friday. And that was out of previous concern he was being overworked. It’s the fifth time in his last six seasons he’s appeared in at least 55 games.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has a 3.75 ERA over the course of the season, 21^st in baseball. They are 29^th in wins (15). It remains their biggest area of concern.

Howell though, has been the one constant, the one reliable reliever all season. The Dodgers can hardly afford to enter the playoffs uncertain over his condition.

It was only two games and one total inning – the six runs came on six hits, including the only home run he’s allowed all season, and a walk – but the timing makes for an uneasy time in an area the Dodgers can hardly afford to be more nervous.