Rays had reasons for limiting Zack Littell to 5 innings vs. Astros

ST. PETERSBURG — Zack Littell didn’t allow an Astro on base until walking Yordan Alvarez with two outs in the fourth inning Wednesday, and gave up his first hit when Jeremy Pena led off the fifth with a homer.

By the end of that inning, Littell had retired 15 of the 18 batters he faced (allowing another walk) and had thrown only 68 pitches.

And he was done for the night.

Manager Kevin Cash explained the decision was a product of having the chance, with Thursday’s day off, to use his top relievers in advantageous matchups, as well as limiting Littell’s innings.