Shields tabbed for reunion against Rays
CHICAGO -- An old friend will get the starting nod for the White Sox when they play the Rays in the final game of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.James Shields, who still holds numerous team records for Tampa Bay, will make his third start of the season against the
CHICAGO -- An old friend will get the starting nod for the White Sox when they play the Rays in the final game of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.
The Rays will have a celebration of the 2008 team that will take place when the White Sox are in St. Petersburg on Aug. 4.
"Wow, [2008] feels like a long time ago," Shields said. "It's pretty amazing to think about now. ... [The reunion] will be great."
Shields' name came up during Monday's game when Chris Archer surpassed
"Oh, [Archer's] got it," Shields said. "I'll still try and hold the innings record."
Shields tossed 1,454 2/3 innings for the Rays. Archer stands at 983 2/3.
Holding the status as one of the more popular players to play for Tampa Bay, Shields was asked what he thought about the present-day Rays.
"It just seems like there's a lot of turnover over there, and that takes time," Shields said. "We had a lot of turnover before we started winning. And then when we started winning, we kind of kept the same group of core guys for quite awhile.
"They have a good squad over there. The three-man rotation. I don't know how long that's going to last. But we'll see how it goes. Those guys are grinding. Archer said that they have a bunch of good guys over there. We'll see."
Shields is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay.
Kiermaier back on Wednesday
The Rays' center fielder wore a boot on Monday, and he had a boot on in the clubhouse following Tuesday's game, but he said he loosened up his foot and was able to put weight on it.
"Time and treatment, a little bit of rest can help," Kiermaier said. "I'm very happy with the progress I've made."
Almost home
Bill Chastain has covered the Rays for MLB.com since 2005.