James Shields' first trip to the minor leagues in 11 years won't be totally unfamiliar.
The White Sox pitcher hopes to head out on a rehab assignment after he threw three innings in the bullpen on Monday afternoon. It would be Shields' first foray in the minors since 2006.
From the description, it sounds as if Shields, who has been on the 10-day disabled list since April 21, would head to Triple-A Charlotte for his assignment. Charlotte faces Tampa Bay affiliate the Durham Bulls starting next Monday.
"It's pretty funny because if I go out on Saturday we're going to be facing my old team, Durham," Shields said. "I'm not going to be facing them, but yeah it's always good to see where you came from. I spent six years and a couple months in the minor leagues, so I did the whole minor league grind. So I know how hard those guys work down there."
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Shields threw for the third time in five days under the watchful eye of pitching coach Don Cooper. The right-hander continues to feel good in his recovery and said his arm strength has returned faster than he hoped. Ideally, Shields would like to return after one or two rehab starts. He said he'd like to be built up for 5-6 innings before he gets back to the White Sox.
"I worked really hard trying to get back, trying to get my body in shape and get ready for that," Shields said. "I think we're ready to go on a rehab assignment."
MLB
Reliever Nate Jones could also be nearing a rehab assignment after he threw his fifth bullpen session on Monday. On the DL with right elbow neuritis, Jones mixed in sliders during his 25-pitch session.
"We are just getting the feel of (sliders) and seeing how they react," Jones said. "We are taking steps in the right direction and if I wasn't feeling good, I would probably not be throwing bullpens and stuff."