During ESPN’s First Take this morning, Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Maddon announced that he will start lefty Scott Kazmir against the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the ALCS on Thursday night.
Kazmir has struggled in his last two outings against the Red Sox as he gave up 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings in Game 2. In 4 starts against the Red Sox, he has a 9.00 ERA.
Given the struggles of Kazmir, the move makes sense for the Rays as Shields has a better chance of going longer in Game 6 which means the Rays bullpen would be rested enough for a potential Game 7 if it gets that far. Plus Shields has struggled at Fenway Park in 3 starts as he is 0-3 with a 10.12 ERA.
