On Saturday, June 4, it was announced that the Chicago White Sox acquired veteran right-handed starting pitcher James Shields from the San Diego Padres. It didn’t take much, as they sent Minor League starter Erik Johnson and infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. to San Diego in exchange.
In 2016, Shields has a respectable 4.28 ERA, but a horrid 2-7 record which doesn’t appear to be all his fault. His record is reflected by the Padres 22-34 mark, which has them at last place in the National League West. Shields’ ERA was also driven up by his poor last start, where he surrendered 10 runs in 2.2 innings to the Seattle Mariners. Shields will earn $21 million per season through 2018, but can opt out after this year.
The trade for Shields will help bolster a White Sox starting rotation anchored by Chris Sale. With the rotation also featuring Jose Quintana and his 2.13 ERA as well as Mat Latos, Shields will provide Chicago with four solid starters. After a 2-8 stretch for the White Sox, they sit at third place in the American League Central with a 29-27 record.
With the White Sox this season, Johnson has an 0-2 record with a 6.94 ERA in two starts. Tatis Jr. is the 17-year-old son of former MLB player Fernando Tatis. He was signed out of the Dominican Republic last July and can play shortstop and third base, but has not made his professional debut.
If anything, this seems like a salary dump for the Padres in a season where they don’t appear to be going anywhere. Shields should help the White Sox get back on track by bolstering an already solid rotation and is a solid addition to Chicago.
Featured Image via Flickr/Keith Allison
