I would definitely do whatever possible to give him more than 4 days rest before starts, or be prepared to piggyback he and Marshall, or eventually put him in the bullpen to pitch 1-2 innings 2-3 times per week. If I were Lou, and I clearly am not, I would alternate starts with he and Marshall. I am not sure what that would do to Marshall's ability to come out of the pen on weeks that Harden was starting though. If they alternated, presumably they could relieve 3-4 days before and after their start. It could look something like this: Monday- Harden start, Marshall available in pen Tuesday - Harden unavailable, Marshal available in pen Wednesday - Harden unavailable, Marshall available in pen Thursday - Both unavailable Friday - Harden potentially available in pen, Marshall unavailable Saturday - Marshall starts, Harden available in pen Sunday - Harden available, Marshall unavailable Monday - Harden available, Marshall unavailable Tuesday - Both unavailable Wednesday - Marshall potentially available, Harden unavailable Thursday - Harden starts, Marshall available That's assuming no off days of course. I like how that looks, but if it was feasible in terms of the number of pitchers, I would avoid using Harden out of the pen at all costs. I am thinking give him the 9 days rest every time. Get that arm/body feeling real good.