KANSAS CITY -- John Danks is still uncertain when hell next see the mound and admits his season could be in jeopardy.
Even though he hasnt played catch in nearly a week, Danks --- who is on the disabled list retroactive to May 20 with a left shoulder injury --- said Friday he expects to throw again in the near future. But even then he doesnt know what to anticipate.
As the summer creeps further along, Danks realizes its possible he might not pitch again this season.
That idea and the quest to fill his time has Danks, who signed a five-year, 65-million extension in December, going stir crazy.
Im losing my mind, Danks said. I guess us playing well, at least theres something to look forward to when you come to the ballpark every day. For me personally, it has been long and boring. Im losing my mind. I really am. I want to be out there. Im not enjoying this, but it is what it is. Its part of the game and I have to deal with it.
The team had hoped Danks would return to the rotation by mid-to-late July. Danks said on Friday, however, hes not to the point where hes ready to go out and push it yet. He also has no rehab assignment yet on the schedule.
White Sox manager Robin Ventura reiterated the team would love to have Danks back, but will plan accordingly.
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Right now the way I look at it, I hope hes coming back, but you have to prepare for the worst, Ventura said. And keep going. Im hoping Im wrong.
White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said on WSCR-670 AM on Thursday Danks isnt currently on his radar because theres no timetable for the left-handers return.
Danks said he couldnt disagree with the statement because of his health.
Thats where we are at right now, Danks said. We dont know. We all expected to be back well before today. So it is what it is. We are doing everything we know to do to get back. Its just we are at the mercy of my shoulder like weve been saying this whole time.
Danks is 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA in nine starts this season. His healthy return would seriously bolster the White Sox chances of making the postseason. If Danks is unable to return, the White Sox may need to add a starting pitcher before the trade deadline because its rotation features two first-year starters (Jose Quintana and Chris Sale) and Jake Peavy, who has battled shoulder issues the past two seasons.
It is progressing, Danks said. Everything looks like its healing the way we want it to, just not as quick as we wanted it to or thought it would. We have to deal with it.