Results tagged ‘ Shields ’
Sometimes you forget…
I’m writing a story on J.P. Howell today, so I went to Field 5 to watch him throw 35 pitches during a bullpen session. Howell looked impressive, but I was more struck by what was happening on the mound next to him where James Shields was throwing.
Sometimes all of us forget what horses starting pitchers are, and Shields in particular, who has logged over 200 innings the past four seasons. He was throwing before Howell took the mound and after Howell had finished throwing, popping the catchers mitt crisply with no breaks in between.
Spring Training is all about getting starting pitchers prepared so they can throw 100 pitches during the regular season. Watching Shields was impressive.
–Bill Chastain
Shields Exits After One Inning
Just like David Price did on Saturday, James Shields started and went just one inning — as planned — before exiting on Sunday.
The Rays right-hander looked sharp despite surrendering a home run to Pirates slugger Andrew McCutchen. Don’t know how much the wind had to play with that one since it is racing out to left field.
– Bill Chastain
Camp Update
Troy Percival will make his second appearance of the spring Sunday against the Pirates in Port Charlotte and Jason Isringhausen will make his first appearance.
Opening Day starter James Shields will stay on schedule by pitching in a Minor League game at home Tuesday, which is an off day for the Rays.
Finally, Rays fans will get a chance to see new addition Matt Joyce Thursday when he’ll be used against the Cardinals as the DH after regular DH Pat Burrell gets two at-bats.
–Bill Chastain
Starters to Begin Pitching Saturday
James Shields will be the Rays’ first starter of their top four to start a spring game when he goes against the Red Sox Saturday in Port Charlotte.
Wade Davis will make Sunday’s road trip to Fort Myers to start against the Red Sox then Scott Kazmir will start Monday against the Twins at home. On Tuesday the Rays will roll out Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine, and David Price against the Blue Jays at home.
–Bill Chastain
Shields to be Opening Day Starter
Rays manager Joe Maddon surprised reporters Wednesday afternoon by announcing that James Shields will be the Rays’ Opening Day starter April 6 in Boston.
Maddon said Shields’ work the past two seasons earned the right-hander the honor.
Scott Kazmir is slotted to start the Rays’ second game, April 8 at Boston, and will be followed by Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.
–Bill Chastain
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