CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks threw a side session Friday and said his left shoulder continues to feel better.

Danks went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 20 after feeling an abnormal soreness in the back of his left throwing shoulder following a start against the Chicago Cubs on May 19. His initial target day to return to the team was June 4.

“Threw 20 pitches on the side, fastball, changeup,” Danks said prior to Friday’s game. “It felt good. I’m making progress. I haven’t been told a schedule or anything. Try to throw another side on Sunday. Hopefully, feel up to spinning some curveballs, throw some cutters and go from there. Another positive step for sure.

“That’s huge. At this point last week, I wasn’t able to do what I did today. It’s definitely positive. See how it feels Sunday.”


Danks remained hopeful he would return to the team next week rather than make any rehab starts in the minors.

“Hopefully, it feels good and we can avoid that,” Danks said. “I’ll do whatever they tell me to do. If they want me to go down there and throw a game or two, then so be it.”

White Sox manager Robin Ventura was unsure yet what would be done with Danks.

“Play it by ear, see how he feels (Saturday) after throwing today,” Ventura said.

Danks has a 3-4 record with a 5.70 ERA this season. He had his best outing of the season in his last start, allowing three hits and no runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Cubs.

Danks received a five-year, $65 million contract extension in the offseason. He’ll make $8 million this season and jump to $14.25 from 2013-2016.