Shields (3-11) gave up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and three walks while striking out four over just 5.1 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Shields wasted a golden opportunity to help out owners, turning in a dud against by far the least threatening offense in baseball. Odubel Herrera in particular was a major thorn in his side, scoring two runs and driving in three more against the veteran. All of the momentum Shields had established with three quality starts in his last four outings is gone heading into Monday's matchup with the Rays.

Shields struck out eight while allowing just one run on three hits and three walks over six innings Thursday against the Indians, but didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Shields has been better of late, turning in quality starts in three of his last four outings after going five straight without one. Still, a combination of his own shortcomings and a lack of run support has left the veteran right-hander winless over that stretch. Tuesday's trip to Philadelphia offers an excellent opportunity to end that skid, as the Phillies are among the worst teams in baseball.

Shields allowed three runs on four hits and four walks Saturday against Kansas City while striking out five. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Despite concerns over a lingering back issue, Shields offered up a strong performance against the division rivals and recorded a quality start. He lowered his ERA and WHIP on the season to 6.01 and 1.63, respectively, which lands him in the bottom tier of fantasy starters. Saturday was just the second start since the beginning of August in which he'd given up fewer than four runs.

Shields (back) has been confirmed as Saturday's starter against the Royals, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The back issue that popped up in Shields' last start was feared to be season-ending, but Shields will return Saturday and look to start chipping away at his 6.45 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field this season. Home runs have been a huge problem for Shields in 10 home starts since arriving from San Diego -- he's given up 19 homers in just 53 innings, including nine in three home starts in August.

Shields (back) is listed as the probable starter for Saturday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

It was reported earlier in the week that Shields had been cleared to make his next start -- surprisingly, after there was some initial speculation that his season could be over -- and he now has a set date for his return to action. Shields has dropped five straight decisions and seven of his last nine, but he will get a chance to finish strong, starting with a Royals team he has yet to face since arriving from San Diego.

Shields (back) is expected to make his next start, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shields was believed to be in danger of missing the rest of 2016 as a result of the back injury, but an MRI has cleared the right-hander to return to the rotation. He does not have a set date quite yet but Shields could return Saturday to face the Royals, a team he's avoided so far since being traded from San Diego to Chicago.

Shields (back) could be shut down for the remainder of the 2016 season, Scot Gregor of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shields had yet another poor outing Saturday, surrendering three long balls en route to allowing five total runs. At least this time, a potential injury might be to blame. The 65-71 White Sox don't have a lot left to play for, so preserving the 34-year-old for 2017 might be the best course of action.

Manager Robin Ventura indicated after Saturday's loss to the Twins that Shields tweaked his back during the start, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back injury or not, Shields was again a disaster during his time on the mound, giving up five runs on five hits (including three homers and a double) and four walks over 2.1 innings. He's now totaled a 6.07 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 151.1 frames on the season, making him one of the majors' least productive starters. Ventura doesn't believe the back issue will plague Shields going forward, but the White Sox may need to seriously evaluate the former ace's spot in the rotation.

Shields (3-10) allowed five runs on five hits, struck out two and walked four over just 2.1 innings in a loss versus the Twins on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

In addition to the four walks, the right-hander allowed three home runs and recorded just seven outs. After this outing, Shields' ERA in Chicago balloons back up to 7.50. He's tossed up 15 homers in just his last six appearances. Overall, Shields is 5-17 with a 6.07 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 151.1 innings over 28 starts with the Padres and White Sox.

Shields allowed two runs on six hits and three walks over six innings with six strikeouts in a no-decision Monday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Shields gave up another home run, putting him up to 32 allowed in just 27 starts between the White Sox and Padres this season. He has always had an issue with home runs, but Shields has now allowed 65 in his past 60 starts dating back to 2016. The result has been a 7.16 ERA in his 16 starts for the White Sox, and until he shows he isn't due for a home run or two every time he steps on the mound, there's little reason to believe he'll improve.