White Sox: Three Takeaways from Series Against Phillies

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Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields (25) reacts in the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Why is James Shields Still Pitching?

James Shields had another poor outing, nothing new for Sox fans this season. On Tuesday, Shields lasted 5.1 innings and gave up six earned runs on nine hits to the Phillies. The Phillies aren’t a strong offensive team as they rank last in MLB in total offense.

However, this didn’t stop them from pummeling Shields on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park. Shields start was his 18th loss of the season and dropped his record to 5-18 on the season. At this point, Shields should most likely shut it down for the rest of the season.

There’s nothing left to prove for Shields, and if he makes two more starts he could be in danger of becoming a 20-game loser. You read that correctly, Shields could finish this season with 20 losses. The trade for Shields continues to look bad with each start he makes, and the Sox are on the hook for two more seasons if they don’t release him after the season. Hopefully for Shields, he can somehow manage to win his final starts before the season ends.

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