Major League Baseball

Struggling Shields vows to keep pitching despite back pain

Published Sep. 6, 2016 8:40 p.m. ET

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CHICAGO (AP) White Sox right-hander James Shields has vowed to stay in the rotation despite back pain and is asking for patience from fans amid the worst season of his career.

A day after Chicago manager Robin Ventura suggested Shields could be shut down, the right-hander says a doctor's visit produced good news.

Shields said Tuesday he's confident he'll start Saturday against his former team, Kansas City.

Shields struggled early in the season with San Diego, even allowing hefty New York Mets pitcher Barolo Colon's first home run in May. He faced public criticism from Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler, then was dealt to the White Sox on June 5.

Besides a six-start stretch in July when he had 1.71 ERA, Shields has been hit hard. He's 3-10 with a 7.50 ERA in 17 starts with Chicago. He said he's had off-and-on back pain.

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