White Sox: Blue Jays Spoil James Shields Return from Injury

Jun 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

James Shields allowed three runs on seven hits in his return from the disabled list. The White Sox fell 7-3 in the series finale against the Blue Jays.

The Chicago White Sox welcomed James Shields back to their starting rotation on Sunday. The right hander had his moments and looked good overall. He allowed three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. However, the White Sox still fell 7-3 in the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. Anthony Swarzak took the loss.

Shields had been out with a shoulder injury since mid-April. The White Sox desperately needed him back because starting pitching was becoming an issue. They just don’t possess the depth to be able to handle being without one of their top pitchers for long stretches. Carlos Rodon is still rehabbing from an injury and Miguel Gonzalez is now on the disabled list. So again they find themselves short at starting pitching.

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Shields return should give a big lift to the starting rotation. It does hurt that Gonzalez is now out, but at least they get a veteran back. A lack of depth could have really doomed this team but they are able to somewhat soften the blow because they don’t need to pull someone from the minors to take Gonzalez’s place.

By all account Shields had a pretty solid outing against Toronto. The right hander just got into a little bit of trouble and that led to a home run and a 3-3 game. The bullpen was then not able to hold the Blue Jays and the White Sox offense couldn’t tack on any more runs. Shiels didn’t pitch bad. He just ran out of gas and then his team couldn’t pick him up.

The bullpen has been great all season. This is one of the few games they have come in and not been able to hold the score where it was. There’s no way your bullpen will be perfect all season.

Next: Miguel Gonzalez Placed on 10-Day Disabled List

White Sox fans should be encouraged with what they saw from Shields. He hasn’t pitched for about two months and looked pretty good. Hopefully he can keep building off that and keep having a bounce-back season. He has probably been their best starting pitcher this season and they need him to pitch well if the want to have a good season.