Major League Baseball

Bud Black: James Shields 'just as advertised'

Published May. 14, 2015 8:05 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

While the Padres’ rotation hasn't been as good as advertised -- with an ERA of 4.22 after being second-best in the NL last year at 3.27 -- James Shields has been, according to manager Bud Black. Although Shields’ ERA is a rather high 3.91, he is now 5-0 after beat the Mariners on Wednesday.

Black told USA Today, "He's just what we needed.'' In addition to the five wins, he’s given the Padres a major-league leading 64 strikeouts and is fifth in the National League with 48 1-3 innings pitched.

In an era of highly-managed pitch counts and heavy bullpen usage, some might be skeptical of Shields ability to throw over 200 innings for a ninth straight season. However, the right-hander had indicated during spring training that he had every intention of going over that threshold again. He tells USA Today:

"I'm not an old-school player, but I feel like I'm an old-school soul. I grew up watching Orel Hershiser and guys like that take the ball and want to finish the game. That's the mentality I have.”

(h/t USA Today)

Photo credit: Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball