John Danks pitches well in first rehab start

The White Sox haven't had much good news on the injury front lately.

Pitcher Jake Peavy was unable to make his scheduled start Thursday night against Texas due to back spasms.

Hector Santiago filled in admirably, pitching the Sox to a 3-1 win over the Rangers, and the injury to Peavy is not believed to be serious. Nevertheless, it's never a positive when your most consistent pitcher has to miss a start.

Also Thursday, Gavin Floyd confirmed reports he has a muscle tear in his pitching elbow. The right-hander is considering his treatment options, one of which is season-ending surgery.

With members of the starting rotation dropping like flies, the Sox can only hope John Danks will return to the active roster soon. The left-hander, who started on Opening Day 2012, hasn't pitched a game for the Sox in nearly a full calendar year.

Danks was limited to just nine starts last season and had surgery on his left shoulder Aug. 6. But he was back on the mound Thursday in a rehab start with Class AA Birmingham. He tossed seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out only one, but walked just one. Fifty-five of his 86 pitches were strikes. His fastball was clocked at 87 mph in the first inning and peaked at 91 mph later in the game, the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzalez reports.

Assuming Danks feels good tomorrow, he'll likely start again next Tuesday for Class AAA Charlotte. I would think the Sox will try to get Danks four starts in the minors before activating him from the disabled list. Just my speculation.

Certainly whenever he's ready, there will be a spot open for him in the big-league rotation.