"Having an extra couple of days to stew over his last start — the worst of his All-Star season — hasn't sat well with RHP James Shields.

"I've been itching to get back out there since that day," Shields said. "I'm ready to go."

Shields tied a career worst by allowing 10 runs on 12 hits over four innings in Oakland last Wednesday. Knowing how competitive Shields is, manager Joe Maddon said he's eager to see how he bounces back tonight against the Blue Jays.

"He's been pretty focused since then," Maddon said. "He's been abnormally quiet, so I know he's not pleased."

Shields said he threw a good bullpen session a few days ago and has things ironed out. He has had success against the Jays, including throwing one of his seven complete games, a shutout in Toronto on April 24.

And with the Rays having an uphill climb to make the postseason, Shields said it's up to him and the rest of the rotation to get them going.

"We definitely need to put some winning streaks together," Shields said. "I think our starting staff needs to set the tone as far as that goes, give us a chance to win every single night, and those streaks will come.""