The Twins have inquired with the Rays about the availability of James Shields.

Shields has averaged 33 starts and 222 innings per year over the last six seasons, and in the last three seasons has posted an 8.4 K/9 while allowing 1.2 base runners per inning.

He is due to make $9 million this season with a club option worth $12 million in 2014 that includes a $1 million dollar buyout.