Free-agent starting pitcher James Shields remains focused on continuing his major league career, and officials from the Tigers, Indians and Rangers have observed his throwing sessions in recent weeks, according to sources. The 37-year-old wasn't close to signing with a team as of Monday night, but his market is expected to take shape in the coming weeks. Dallas Keuchel is the most coveted free-agent arm, but he is increasingly likely to wait until after next month's draft before signing. The Tigers, Indians and Rangers aren't strong candidates to sign Keuchel due to his asking price. Shields has 10 seasons of at least 200 innings since his debut in 2006, so he offers stability to a team in need. However, he's unlikely to be much more than a single-league streamer if he's starting games in the big leagues again.
The Chicago White Sox exercised their $4.65 million club option on relief pitcher Nate Jones while declining to pick up starting pitcher James Shields' $16 million option for 2019 in favor of a $2 million buyout. Jones only threw 30 innings in 2018 due to arm injuries, but he had a 3.00 ERA and five saves in 33 appearances and could be in the mix for more saves next year if he's healthy. Shields went 7-16 with a 4.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and mediocre 6.8 K/9 in 34 outings (33 starts). The veteran right-hander just isn't much of a fantasy option these days, as he doesn't miss many bats and gives up too many home runs (34 in 204 2/3 innings).
Chicago White Sox starter James Shields went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits in Friday's 8-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Shields struck out five batters while walking one. He now has a 7-16 record on the season to go along with a 4.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 147/71 K/BB ratio. Even with the solid performance, he is still a risky fantasy option. Shields can be avoided in his next start on Thursday against the Cleveland Indians.
Chicago White Sox starter James Shields was destroyed by the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Shields gave up six runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of work. He walked a single batter while striking out one in the loss. This is not necessarily a surprising result, as Shields has been one of the worst starters in the majors this season. He has an uninspiring 6-16 record with a 4.58 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He has a decent matchup against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, but only the most diehard risk-takers should dare to start the 36-year-old.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields struck out seven batters over 6 2/3 innings Friday evening versus the Royals. Shields allowed four runs (two earned), five hits and two walks. Shields has been pitching well of late and is a trade candidate. Shields would get a bump if hes dealt to a contender and would have a better chance to pick up wins. Shields heads into the All-Star break with a 4-10 record and 4.43 ERA.
James Shields Coughs Up Eight Earned Runs Saturday
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields labored through 5 2/3 innings while giving up eight earned runs in a 12-6 loss to the Houston Astros. The lone positive for Shields was that he recorded a season-high nine strikeouts. With the loss, Shields' record drops to 3-10 on the season to go along with a 4.53 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 119 1/3 innings. At this point of his career, he is mainly just an innings eater for a rebuilding team. However, Shields will be a viable streaming option against the Kansas City Royals next Saturday.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields put together another nice performance on Wednesday versus the Twins. Shields allowed four hits, zero runs, two walks and struck out five over seven innings. Shields improved his record to 3-9 and now owns a 4.29 ERA. Shields has pitched well of late, but remains best served as a streamer. Shields is scheduled to face the Reds on Tuesday.
James Shields Bounces Back Nicely Versus The Indians
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields bounced back Tuesday after giving up seven runs in his previous outing. Shields went seven innings versus the Indians and allowed four hits and one run. He also struck out two in the game. Shields is nothing more than a streaming option in deeper formats and will face the Tigers on Sunday.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields went 7 1/3 innings on Thursday. Shields allowed just three hits on one run while walking three and striking out eight batters versus the Rangers. It was one of Shields best performances of the year, but he still owns a 4.88 ERA and should be avoided in most leagues.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields took a no-hitter into the seventh inning on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. Shields, who has had a rough run as a starting pitcher during his time with the White Sox, had his no-hit bid broken up by an Eduardo Escobar single after one out in the seventh inning. Shields finished the start with five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Shields has very little fantasy relevance left over at this point in his career. However, his last two starts have been relatively strong. He is a potential plug-in for an injured starter or a two-start streamer going forward.
