Shields hopes he can come up big tonight
Rays RHP James Shields would like to live up to his nickname "Big Game James" in tonight's series finale against the Red Sox at Tropicana Field.
It's a big game, indeed - and it's on ESPN national television, with a special starting time of 8 p.m.
"I get charged up for every game, but anytime you play the Red Sox and you're still in the hunt, it's exciting," Shields said. "We know we need to stay calm, but it's an exciting time right now. Coming out of spring training, this is where we wanted to be."
Shields has won his past two starts, allowing three earned runs in 13 innings, walking two and striking out 13.
"I feel really good right now," Shields said. "This is the best I've felt all year long."
He is 4-9 with a 5.25 ERA overall in 15 career starts against the Red Sox, but 3-2 with a 3.13 ERA in seven starts at the Trop.
Attendance might be interesting to track. Sunday games generally are "Family Fun Days," but instead of an afternoon start, tonight's game might end near midnight, with school in session Monday.
Niemann says he's fine
RHP Jeff Niemann, who came off the 15-day disabled list with a horrendous outing (allowing 10 earned runs in 31/3 innings Wednesday against the Angels), said he was pleased with Saturday's work during what he described as a "heavy" bullpen session.
"The last (start) was a bad day ... it happens," Niemann said. "I threw a bullpen and ironed some things out. I wanted to get out there and address the issues. The mechanics, the feel, whatever you want to say it was (Wednesday), it was off and I need to get it back on. I felt good out there today."
Niemann is scheduled to start Tuesday night against the Jays.
