CLEVELAND — Right-hander James Shields’ recovery from two bad seasons is gaining some traction. The 36-year-old veteran had a 3.53 ERA in six starts in May, covering 40 innings with 30 strikeouts against 13 walks and only two homers allowed.
If this keeps up, Shields (4.54 ERA) is going to pitch his way out of town to a contending team.
The Sox (16-36) are on the hook for $10 million of the $21 million owed to Shields on the final year of his $75 million deal signed with the Padres (which includes a $16 million club option for 2019 with a $2 million buyout). The Sox wouldn’t receive a high-end prospect in return, but they would likely take some savings in exchange for a minor leaguer even though Shields has been the team’s second-best starter behind Reynaldo Lopez.
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“I’ve been traded before, we all know it’s a business,’’ said Shields, who cost the Sox — ouch — shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., now rated the No. 7 prospect in baseball, in a trade in 2016. “It’s always out there but I’m big on trying to control the controllables and I can’t control that.’’
Shields, who has pitched for the Rays and Royals in the World Series, says, “every player wants to contend.”
It might take another month to convince a contending team that Shields can help them. He continues to benefit with a new, lower arm slot. Before this season, he owned a 5.99 ERA as a Sox.
“I’m throwing a lot more ground balls now, with a lot more movement,’’ said Shields, who allowed 40 homers in 2016 and 27 last season. “Keep the ball in the yard and let my pitches work.
“The last two years was probably the worst I’ve felt body-wise in my career. This year, I feel really good. I’m confident in what I’m doing right now.’’
Anderson close to 100 percent
Shortstop Tim Anderson has played two games without having to wrap his sore right thumb.
“Feeling good,’’ Anderson said before the game Tuesday. “It’s like 90, 95 percent.’’
Anderson said being sore helped him lay off bad pitches because he didn’t want to aggravate the thumb. He hit four home runs in his previous four games, and picked up his 20th RBI with a sharp single Tuesday.
With 11 homers and 12 stolen bases, he is on pace for 35 homers and 36 stolen bases.
Anderson has surprised himself with his power. On his 405-foot home run to right-center field Monday against Adam Plutko, he went full speed into second thinking the ball might bounce off the wall.
“I didn’t know I had that much juice to hit it on a rope [106 mph exit velocity] like that,’’ he said.
Rodon has another strong start
Left-hander Carlos Rodon pitched five scoreless innings in his third rehab start, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out eight against Lehigh Valley. He threw 86 pitches, 58 for strikes.
Rodon was caught by Kevan Smith, who was activated off Charlotte’s disabled list and will likely join the Sox soon to replace rookie Alfredo Gonzalez.
