A method (400) for increasing the operational flexibility of a turbomachine during a shutdown phase is provided. The turbomachine may include a first section, a second section, and a rotor disposed within the first section and the second section. The method (400) may determine an allowable range of a physical parameter associated with the first section (440) and/or the second section (460). The method (400) may modulate a first valve (450) and/or a second valve (470) to allow steam flow into the first section and the second section respectively, wherein the modulation is based on the allowable range of the physical parameter. In addition, the physical parameter allows the method to independently apportion steam flow between the first section and the second section of the turbomachine, during the shutdown phase.