its not easier on his shoulder, it's that you don't have to expose him to waivers or lose the 40 man spot when you shut him down for the season early. It's a lot easier to be careful with innings limits at AAA when you don't have the same rules as in the bigs. Combine that with injury risk to one of the most important prospects on your roster, and the lack of depth/flexibility with the relievers and outfield, and TR was stuck. With a better picture this offseason of the Johnson/Pino/Darnell, think there will be movement in the bullpen. I think Johnson and Darnell replace Swarzak and Duensing in the pen..... I think 2014 will be cemented as pivotal in the rebuild by this upcoming offseason. This is only the beginning, as the youngsters are proving they are ready in Aug/Sep