Call to the pen
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MLB: Struggling Starters Who Would Thrive in the Bullpen

By Jason Reed

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Washington Nationals bullpen watches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Washington Nationals bullpen watches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

James Shields

Former ace “Big Game James” has certainly fallen from grace since leaving the Kansas City Royals. Once a man who was feared for his dominance, James Shields struggled in 2016 with a 5.85 earned run average. Shields was traded from the Padres to the White Sox last season and failed to really contribute to either team. Shields sported a 6-19 record, with his last performance being on the wrong end of a 6-0 loss. That same 6-0 loss should very well be his last start in MLB.

Although his stuff isn’t what it used to be, Shields still manages to show the upside of his pitching potential. Shields’ second to last start of the season resulted in a 7-1 victory in which Shields allowed only one run in six innings. As a matter of fact, in every one of Shields’ victories he only allowed two runs or fewer. The potential is certainly there for Shields; the problem is that the consistency is not.

Shields definitely would give the White Sox bullpen a much-needed jolt. Chicago ranked 17th in bullpen ERA, and second to last in total innings pitched. Not only is the bullpen mediocre, but Chicago used it far less frequently than other MLB teams. Not only would Shields help the bullpen, but the bullpen would be the perfect place to showcase his potential.

According to Baseball-Reference, hitters bat only .207 against Shields in high leverage situations. Compare that to the .331 batting average in medium leverage situations, and it’s apparent Shields pitches far better when it’s really important. Yes, it is completely subjective on which situation is deemed high or medium leverage. However, Shields is still a good talent that is owed a large amount of money, so Chicago should utilize his talents in the bullpen.

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