Scot

Shields

Shields has 101, while Francisco Rodriguez stands at 111. Armando Benitez and Arthur Rhodes turned the trick for the 97 Orioles. Shields, who is 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA and four saves in 98 1/3 innings, has been one of the AL’s most valuable non-closer relievers. He’s been used in a variety of roles, but could become the primary setup man to K-Rod in 2005.

The decision stands as an indication that Scot Shields’ audition for a rotation spot has failed, and he will be used out of the bullpen. The team needs a true ace to headline the group of Jarrod Washburn, Ramon Ortiz, John Lackey and Aaron Sele.

Shields, who will return to the bullpen this year following the acquisitions of Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar, had been slowed by a mild case of shoulder tendinitis.

Shields was impressive in two starts earlier this season when the Angels had injuries in their rotation. He is being considered for a starting spot in 2004.

The Angels hope Shields can impress them enough so they can avoid using free agent money on starting pitching. They hope to go after a big outfielder, first baseman, and/or shortstop like Japan’s Kazuo Matsui. Shields has a 3.23 ERA in five starts this season.

As middle relievers go, Shields is underrated, and can help out your ratios in deep AL-only leagues.

Shields has yet to allow a run in 11 innings this season.

Shields has been fantastic out of the bullpen this year, striking out 17 in 18 innings with a 0.50 ERA. He’s got a tough assignment against the Red Sox, though.

That’s opposite 11 losses. Shields struggled some in August and the first half of September, but he’s allowed just one hit and no walks in his last 6 2/3 innings of work.

Donnelly was charged with three runs in one-third of an inning in the seventh. Shields, who took over for Donnelly in the seventh and allowed an inherited runner to score, gave up three runs of his own in the eighth. Mark Bellhorn proved to be troublesome in both innings, as he had an RBI double off Shields in the seventh and then worked a walk in the eighth after Bill Mueller was intentionally walked to get to him. That brought up Johnny Damon, who hit a three-run double over the head of a seemingly startled Steve Finley in center field. Shields has given up seven runs over his last three appearances, raising his ERA to 2.73.