White Sox say yes on Jones' 2019 club option, say no on Shields'
Nate Jones missed three months with a pronator muscle strain in his throwing (right) arm this season and was limited to 33 relief appearances with the White Sox.
In 2017, Jones was diagnosed with right elbow neuritis in early May and was done for the year.
He had Tommy John surgery in late July of 2014 and missed most of the 2015 season.
That is the definition of injury prone, but the Sox are hoping the string of ailments is over.
On Monday, they picked up Jones' $4.65 million club option for 2019. The 32-year-old reliever also has a $5.15 million club option for 2020 and a $6 million club option for 2021.
In 271 games with the White Sox from 2012 to 2018, Jones is 22-12 with a 3.11 ERA and 8 saves to go with 308 strikeouts in 281 innings.
The Sox are bringing Jones back, but they declined their $16 million club option on James Shields for 2019, exercising a $2 million buyout. Shields is now a free agent.
Acquired in a June 4, 2016 trade from the Padres that cost the White Sox top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr., Shields was 16-35 with a 5.31 ERA in 77 games (76 starts) with the Sox.
The 36-year-old righty tied for third in the American League with 204⅔ innings pitched this season.
Michael Kopech (Tommy John surgery) was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list Monday, but he is out for the 2019 season.
The White Sox are expected to sign a veteran starter to eat up innings in Kopech's absence, and there is a chance Shields could return for one more year.
While his numbers were not good and the Sox didn't have a winning record during his stay, Shields sounded like he'd be open for a return after making his final start of the season.
"Ever since I was in Tampa, I've prided myself in being a leader in this clubhouse, just helping the guys out and being a good teammate," Shields said. "Hopefully, these guys take all of the advice and the experience that I've had over the years and take it to heart."