Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields could reportedly be moved for the second time this season before the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
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Shields Back on Trade Block as Deadline Looms
Wednesday, July 27
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Wednesday the White Sox, who acquired Shields from the San Diego Padres in early June, have made him available following a recent hot streak.
Shields struggled to meet expectations in San Diego after signing a monster four-year, $75 million contract ahead of the 2015 campaign. He ended up posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 44 starts with the organization.
The White Sox acquired him in an effort to bolster the rotation following the team's strong start to the season. The early returns were disastrous, however, as he allowed at least six earned runs in each of his first three starts with the South Siders.
The 34-year-old right-hander has been better since that point, though. He's gone seven straight outings without giving up more than three runs. And it's probably no mistake that rumors of his availability come the day after he pitched 7.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.
After Tuesday's strong effort against the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, the player who's been given the moniker "Big Game James" talked about his love of the big moments, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.
"I always love those kinds of atmospheres," Shields said. "It gets me kind of fired up. It was a good atmosphere. I haven't known the kind of rivalry between the Cubs and White Sox, but I do now, and it's kind of special."
Meanwhile, manager Robin Ventura talked about how much better Shields has performed as of late compared to his early days with the White Sox.
"Confidence-wise, he's much different right now," Ventura said, per Kane. "You could feel it even toward the end of the game. He was outstanding the whole night. When he needed the big pitch, he got it."
His contract is likely to remain an obstacle in trade talks despite the on-field improvement. Scott Merkin of MLB.com reported Chicago agreed to pick up $27 million of the starter's remaining contract, which Spotrac notes runs through 2018 with a club option for 2019, in the deal with San Diego.
The White Sox would probably need to retain some of that salary to make a trade happen. But they have faded to .500 after starting 23-10, so trying to move Shields after he's rebuilt at least some trade value is probably the right move for the long run.
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