While the Chicago White Sox lost one starting pitcher on Sunday, they welcomed back another with the activation of right-handed pitcher James Shields. Shields takes the roster spot of Miguel Gonzalez, who landed on the disabled list with inflammation in his right AC joint.
Shields, who has been sidelined since mid-April with a strained lat, returns to a sparkling 1.62 ERA and 8.64 K/9 over 16 2/3 innings pitched. While the ERA is spectacular, his 5.4 BB/9, 1.62 HR/9 and 5.68 xFIP indicate Shields was headed for major regression.
It could come right away for the right-hander as he faces a Toronto Blue Jays lineup that has made major improvements as key players have come off the disabled list. For fantasy owners, Shields is probably one to avoid in all but the deepest of leagues. He posted a 5.85 ERA last season and his xFIP indicates he remains in that range even with the current ERA.