Shields aims to top former boss Maddon

Whether the reminders come from agent Scott Boras' criticism, a billboard advertisement across the street from Wrigley Field or Kris Bryant himself, the Chicago Cubs' decision to leave their top prospect off the opening day roster has been met with plenty of controversy.

Now that the Cubs officially have turned his 12 days in the minors into another year of control, many are wondering if Bryant will make his major league debut Friday against the visiting San Diego Padres.

A nearby billboard featuring Bryant in a Cubs uniform reads, "WORTH THE WAIT," but even manager Joe Maddon has no idea when the wait will end.

"I have not had a date given to me (for Bryant's call-up) by anybody," Maddon told MLB's official website.

The third baseman had nine homers in 14 spring training games last month after hitting 43 in the minors last year.

The Bryant watch somewhat has overshadowed a solid start for the Cubs (5-3), who have won four of five after beating Cincinnati 5-0 on Wednesday. Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run homer in the first inning, while Dexter Fowler and Starlin Castro had two hits apiece.

"It's a good group of guys, very relaxed and very hungry at the same time," Rizzo said. "We need to feel this and keep feeling it and get everyone rallying behind us."

James Shields nearly became part of that group, but he instead chose to sign a four-year, $75 million contract with San Diego in the offseason. The Cubs reportedly offered $60 million over three years.

Shields played for Maddon in Tampa Bay from 2006-12, helping the Rays reach the World Series in 2008.

"In all reality, it came down to the Cubs and the Padres," Shields, who lives in San Diego, said in a radio interview shortly after he signed. "I think I made the right decision here. I'm really happy about it."

Shields (1-0, 2.08 ERA) now looks to beat his former boss in his first matchup with the Cubs since 2008. The right-hander gave up two runs and struck out eight in six innings of a 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 6 before allowing one run and three hits in seven innings of a 10-2 win over San Francisco on Saturday.

The Padres (6-4) have won five of six after Justin Upton hit a two-out, go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of a 3-2 win over Arizona on Wednesday.

Upton had three hits and is batting .351 with three homers while hitting safely in all 10 games.

"It's part of my game," Upton said. "I don't go out there trying to hit home runs but when it does come out, it's a part of my game that I hope shows up more times than not."

Manager Bud Black has been impressed with his revamped lineup after the Padres scored the fewest runs in the majors in 2014.

"You always feel as though you're always one swing away no matter who goes to the plate," Black said. "There might be a little difference when you have some guys with true raw power. One mistake and one good swing can result in what happened (Wednesday)."

Jason Hammel, who was Shields' teammate from 2006-08 in Tampa Bay, will look to shut down the Padres. He had a solid season debut Saturday despite not winning, allowing three runs and striking out six without a walk in six innings while going 2 for 3 at the plate in a 9-5 victory over Colorado.

The right-hander lost his only start against San Diego last season, giving up three runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 4-3 defeat May 25.