James Shields yielded three earned runs over 6 1/3 innings Monday in the Royals' loss to the Tigers. Detroit didn't break through until the bottom of the ninth inning, so Shields was not charged with a loss. He gave up five hits and issued one walk while striking out three. Kansas City's ace will get the White Sox next.

James Shields struggled in his final start of the spring, allowing seven runs in four innings against the Padres. Shields allowed seven hits and walked two while striking out two. The right-hander was otherwise having a great spring, as the outing brought his ERA up to 4.74 from 2.61. Better to have a clunker at the end of spring training than at the start of the regular season. He'll pitch on Opening Day against the Tigers, opposite Justin Verlander.

James Shields had a rough afternoon on Friday, giving up three home runs in a losing effort against the Reds. Shields allowed five runs on six hits over his six innings of work. On the plus side, he was able to punch out six without issuing a walk in the game. Even with the rough start, the Royals ace owns a 2.61 ERA and outstanding 24/0 K/BB ratio in 20 2/3 spring innings.

James Shields allowed one hit while striking out 10 over six innings against the Cubs Saturday. Shields has now allowed one run over 14 2/3 innings innings this spring. The right-hander is in line for a big season in his walk year, and he should be one of the most highly sought-after free agent pitchers on the free agent market next winter. For now, he'll be the Royals' ace for another season.

James Shields allowed two runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings of work in Monday's start against the Mariners. Recently given the Opening Day nod by manager Ned Yost, Shields continued his good spring, pitching into the fifth inning. The right-hander allowed five hits, didn't walk anyone, and struck out five. His Cactus League ERA is now 1.04 in 8 2/3 innings.

Royals manager Ned Yost announced Saturday that James Shields will get the ball on Opening Day for the Royals. The announcement was a mere formality, as Shields is clearly the ace of the Royals staff. Jason Vargas will work in game two for the Royals, with Jeremy Guthrie tabbed for the homer opener in the fourth game of the regular season.

James Shields shut out the D'Backs over three innings in Wednesday's start. Shields was solid, allowing just one hit while striking out three. The Royals' ace is in his walk year. A solid 2014 campaign could lead to a nice payday after the season. The right-hander led the league in innings pitched last season and posted a 3.15 ERA.

James Shields told Jim Bowden of SiriusXM on Tuesday that he is not open to in-season contract negotiations. Shields is currently scheduled to become a free agent five days after the 2014 World Series and the Royals haven't discussed any sort of long-term extension this spring with his agent. It sure looks like the 32-year-old right-hander is headed for the open market. Shields was 13-9 with a 3.15 ERA, 1.238 WHIP, and 196 strikeouts in 228 2/3 innings last season for Kansas City.

James Shields worked a perfect inning against the Rangers in his Cactus League debut on Friday. The veteran right-hander needed just 10 pitches to generate three easy groundballs in the short outing. Slated to again be a workhorse in the Royals rotation, Shields is a strong bet to exceed 200 strikeouts which makes him a strong second starter in fantasy drafts.

Dick Kaegel of MLB.com reports that James Shields would be willing to discuss a contract extension to remain in Kansas City long-term. The 32-year-old right-hander who came over in last year's Wil Myers trade, was the strong workhorse the Royals expected him to be in 2013, compiling a 3.15 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 196/68 K/BB ratio over 228 2/3 innings. Set for free agency after the 2014 campaign, when asked about a potential extension Shields quipped, "Yeah, I'd definitely be open-minded to it, for sure." It would certainly be in the best interest of Dayton Moore and the Royals to get something done.