I think the plan of just running him out every day until he throw 160 - 170 innings was based on not contending. I think they will make more of an effort to manage his innings load if they look like they are going to be in the playoffs. If it is a fight for the playoffs, then I think they just keep him on schedule and deal with needing a 5th starter when the time comes.
It's going to be a fight for the playoffs. I can't imagine this team having a huge lead and cruising in September. And of course they had the playoffs in mind when they set the 160 inning limit. Davey and Rizzo mentioned that it would not affect their decision many times.
Still taking all bets on whether they will shut him down.
