James Shields struggled again on Tuesday, allowing five runs -- four earned -- on nine hits in five innings in a loss to the Twins. The start marked the third straight start that Shields has allowed at least four earned runs, and he really hasn't been himself since mid-May. He's generating a career-low 8.5 percent swinging strike percentage, and his 1.33 WHIP through 17 starts would be his worst since a forgettable 2010 season. It's not clear what's wrong, and unless it's physical the Royals will continue to run him out every fifth day in hopes he figures it out on his own. Perhaps that will happen in Monday's start at his former team, the Rays.