DETROIT -- The White Sox all but confirmed on Friday afternoon pitcher Gavin Floyd will return to the starting rotation on Monday.
They, of course, still must monitor Floyds elbow on Saturday, one day after he threw 40-50 pitches in a bullpen session both the pitcher and pitching coach Don Cooper deemed a success.
But the early signs for Floyd, who is on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 8 with right elbow tendinitis, were positive. If they stay that way, Floyd will be activated off the DL before the White Sox open a three-game series at home against the Minnesota Twins.
He seems like hes ready to go, Cooper said. He threw all of his pitches. It went well. (Recovery is) important. I think hes going to be ok because it went very well. (Trainer Herm Schneider) and him took the time to work on it and hes feeling better. He looks good.
Whereas he had trouble throwing off-speed pitches in sessions after his last start, Floyd threw all four of his pitches with confidence on Friday. He said he wasnt tentative and is pleased with the progress he has made.
Its not affecting the way the ball is coming out or the way Im throwing it, which was the complete opposite of the last time I threw breaking balls, Floyd said. I feel really good and real confident with the way things came out. Im happy about it.
Floyd struggled earlier this season but closed the first half with his strongest stretch of the season. Over his last four starts, the right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.37 ERA.
He said hes ready to start on Monday if needed.
I think thats what might be the plan, Floyd said. I dont know. Ill leave it up to them. Im ready to go. Im ready to go whenever they put me out there.