The Chicago White Sox proved on Saturday that they are planning on sticking around in the AL Central division race. Despite falling to the Detroit Tigers 7-4, dropping the first two games of that series, they did acquire starting pitcher James Shields from the San Diego Padres for pitcher Erik Johnson and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. The White Sox also received cash in the deal.
Shields has struggled since going to San Diego, but due to his numbers with the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals, he is still known as one of the top arms in the league. White Sox general manager Rich Hahn said of Shields "he has proven to be one of the most dependable and durable pitchers in the major leagues over his career."
The right-hander signed the biggest free agent deal is Padres' history, agreeing to a four-year, $75 million contract in February of 2015. His numbers would drop last season and into this season, including a record of 2-7 with a 4.28 ERA this year. His last start with San Diego saw him surrender 10 runs in 2.2 innings, which lead to the team's chairman, Ron Fowler, calling the starter out.
The 34-year-old is known to give his team innings, making at least 31 starts every season since 2007. He will join the likes of Chris Sale and Jose Quintana in a solid White Sox rotation.
The Padres get two young players, including 17-year-old Tatis Jr., the son of former big league player Fernando Tatis. They also get 26-year-old Johnson, who is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA this season, but has not pitched since May 23rd.
The team expects Shields to join the team on Tuesday, and be ready to pitch at the beginning of their next homestand. Miguel Gonzalez was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Nationals, but will instead be moved to the bullpen.
Despite his struggles with the Padres, Shields still has good career numbers, including a record of 129-104 with a 3.76 ERA. He made an All-Star team in 2011, and pitched in the World Series in 2008 with the Rays, and in 2014 with the Royals. He has a career 31-24 record against the AL Central division, and will hope to keep the White Sox at the top of what is expected to be a tough division race the entire way.
Shields has struggled since going to San Diego, but due to his numbers with the Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals, he is still known as one of the top arms in the league. White Sox general manager Rich Hahn said of Shields "he has proven to be one of the most dependable and durable pitchers in the major leagues over his career."
The right-hander signed the biggest free agent deal is Padres' history, agreeing to a four-year, $75 million contract in February of 2015. His numbers would drop last season and into this season, including a record of 2-7 with a 4.28 ERA this year. His last start with San Diego saw him surrender 10 runs in 2.2 innings, which lead to the team's chairman, Ron Fowler, calling the starter out.
The 34-year-old is known to give his team innings, making at least 31 starts every season since 2007. He will join the likes of Chris Sale and Jose Quintana in a solid White Sox rotation.
The Padres get two young players, including 17-year-old Tatis Jr., the son of former big league player Fernando Tatis. They also get 26-year-old Johnson, who is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA this season, but has not pitched since May 23rd.
The team expects Shields to join the team on Tuesday, and be ready to pitch at the beginning of their next homestand. Miguel Gonzalez was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Nationals, but will instead be moved to the bullpen.
Despite his struggles with the Padres, Shields still has good career numbers, including a record of 129-104 with a 3.76 ERA. He made an All-Star team in 2011, and pitched in the World Series in 2008 with the Rays, and in 2014 with the Royals. He has a career 31-24 record against the AL Central division, and will hope to keep the White Sox at the top of what is expected to be a tough division race the entire way.
