John Danks is in good enough shape after his left shoulder surgery to have begun his throwing program earlier than expected.
Exactly three months after doctors arthroscopically repaired a capsule tear and minor debridements in Danks left shoulder, the White Sox 2012 opening day starter began to participate in a two-plus month throwing program on Monday.
Danks has thrown twice already this week and said hes off to a good start.
Danks, who went 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA in nine starts last season, said the early start has him confident hell be ready by the time the White Sox open spring training in Glendale, Ariz. in February.
It definitely makes me feel like were doing the right things, Danks said by phone. The target date is still spring training. I think Im on pace to be ready by then. Thats the goal until Im told otherwise.
Although he didnt expect to feel 18 again, Danks has been able to make all the throws asked of him through two sessions. Hes even more pleased he was able to bounce back after Mondays session and make all 40 scheduled throws on Wednesday.
The plan administered by the White Sox training staff calls for Danks to throw every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through early January. Danks would then graduate to his normal throwing program to get ready for spring training. He said the White Sox moved the start date for his current program up three days in order to keep him on schedule for spring training.
MLB
Really didnt know what to expect, Danks said.Im not ready to get on a mound tomorrow, but everyone is pleased with where I am at. Were really kind of limping. It isnt a ton of throwing, just trying to retain my body to throw again.
Danks believes his Aug. 6 surgery -- one that revealed no damage to the rotator cuff -- is comparable to one Johan Santana had in mid-September 2010. Even though he had accrued more than 2,250 professional innings at the time of his surgery, Santana was able to return in late 2011 and then made 21 starts for the New York Mets in 2012. Danks, who signed a five-year, 65 million extension last offseason, has thrown 800 fewer innings than Santana.
That makes me feel a lot better, Danks said. He had a lot more mileage on his arm and (for him) to come back and have success definitely makes me feel a lot better. Its definitely something I can come back from and be normal.
The White Sox also lessened the burden on Danks when they announced Tuesday they would bring back Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd in 2013. Danks knows he doesnt have to rush back to competition --- he can afford to take the required time needed to rehab. With those two veterans in the fold, along with Chris Sale and either Jose Quintana or Hector Santiago, Danks is excited about the possibilities for the teams rotation next season.
It takes some pressure to come back a little sooner, Danks said. I think I was a factor in that, but if you can keep Gavin and Jake around, thats something you have to seriously think about. Its a huge help all the way around. Its lining up to be a fun summer.