A method for exhaust temperature management in a multiple-cylinder, reciprocating-piston engine, comprising sensing a low temperature condition of the exhaust and implementing an increased heat output engine cycle pattern for the engine based on the sensed low temperature condition. The increased heat output engine cycle pattern comprises deactivating fuel injection to a first cylinder of the engine, the first cylinder comprising a piston reciprocating between top-dead-center and bottom-dead-center. Also, activating engine braking mode on the first cylinder by opening one or more valves when the piston is away from bottom-dead-center during a compression stroke. A second cylinder of the engine is fired in a combustion mode while the first cylinder is in engine braking mode.