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.