DETROIT -- John Danks said Sunday he remains optimistic, yet grounded, about his recovery.
The White Sox pitcher said a left shoulder strain, which has kept him on the disabled list since May 20, has responded well to recent activity and treatment. But after previous deadlines have arrived and passed, Danks refusees to get too far. He played catch again on Sunday with good results and perhaps could throw off the mound soon.
I feel like Im able to bounce back a little better after I have thrown a couple of days in a row, Danks said. A few weeks ago Id have been too sore to do anything really. I have been able to go out and do everything Ive been asked so far. Hopefully it keeps on progressing the way we hope and want to. Id like to get out there before the year is over.
On Saturday, general manager Kenny Williams expressed confidence in Danks rehab. He noted Danks, who signed a five-year deal worth 65 million this offseason, has taken several positive steps forward.
Adding a healthy Danks to the rotation would give the White Sox the equivalent of an impact-type pitcher without making a trade, Williams said.
A healthy John Danks is the perfect medicine, Williams said. We are comfortable and confident in that, and weve got very encouraging signs over the last number of days. So, theres less of a reason to do something along those lines. But we have to play it out.How it will play out is still too far ahead for Danks to look. He said Sunday he was focused on playing catch from 120 feet and hoped to stretch it a little further. And when trainer Herm Schneider said hes ready to go the mound, he will.
(120 feet) thats where weve been, Danks said. If we can go a little farther than that we will. I think they want me to go on the mound as soon as we can. We havent really talked about it much. Im just going to long toss today.