Shields Ks 10 in no-decision: Tampa Bay starter James Shields had an extremely effective performance on Wednesday afternoon against the Blue Jays. Unfortunately, his bullpen couldn't hold a small lead and the game went into extra innings tied at four runs apiece. Shields, who settled for the no-decision, was sharp in allowing three runs -- just two earned -- on seven hits and a walk over 7 1/3 innings. Shields struck out 10 batters in the performance and really regrouped after allowing a first-inning home run to Jose Bautista. Shields' ERA is now at 3.63 on the season. (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Shields (6-2) couldn't win his seventh on the season but still pitched well for Tampa Bay on Wednesday. He rebounded nicely from two straight games with four runs allowed without finishing seven innings. In fact, Wednesday was the first time Shields completed seven full frames and pitched into the eighth since April 21 against Minnesota. This was also just his second double-digit strikeout performance. Shields already has six wins and he's averaging close to a strikeout per inning pitched. He remains a solid start in all mixed Fantasy formats. His next outing is scheduled for Tuesday at home against the White Sox. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/23/2012 17:37 Rays outlast Jays on Upton's hit in 11th
B.J. Upton hit an RBI double in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 on Wednesday.
05/23/2012 00:59 The Lineup: Wainwright wows, Cubs crater
St. Louis got reacquainted with an old friend, the Cubs reached new depths, and a certain Met and a certain Brave enjoyed career nights. Oh, and get ready for Cole and Bryce, Part II.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/18/2012 22:34 Hanson pitches Braves past Rays
Tommy Hanson pitched seven effective innings, Freddie Freeman drove in two runs and the Atlanta Braves beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 on Friday night.
Well, that was certainly a step in the right direction. After a gradual downward trend culminated in a miserable 2010 in which he gave up an MLB-high 246 hits and 117 earned runs to go along with career worsts in ERA (5.18) and WHIP (1.46), James Shields was suddenly the best he's ever been in 2011, leading the AL with four shutouts and the majors with an astonishing 11 complete games -- the most for any pitcher since Randy Johnson had 12 in 1999. So what went so right for him? His peripherals had long hinted of ace ability -- in fact, his strikeout-to-walk ratio last year was actually worse than during that miserable 2010 -- but he was always done in by homers, ranking among the worst at surrendering the long ball year after year. But last year he placed a renewed emphasis on locating his strikes (as opposed to just throwing strikes or balls), and boom, problem solved. Given his past inconsistencies, Shields could always slip back into bad habits, which is why you shouldn't necessarily target him as your ace on Draft Day, but he's a potential bargain as a high-end No. 2. If nothing else, you know he'll give you strikeouts and innings. (Updated 2/21/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start