CHICAGO -- Rehabbing Chicago White Sox left-handed pitcher John Danks received some good news about his return to baseball activities this week when doctors told him he can begin throwing a baseball again on Nov. 1.

“I talked to (his doctor on Wednesday). He is very pleased with where I am at in my rehab,” Danks said. “He said I am at or ahead of pace, and he anticipates me picking up a baseball Nov. 1.”

Danks had season-ending shoulder surgery on Aug. 5 after dealing with the injury since early May. He was 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA before the injury ended his season

The Sox signed the Texas native to a five-year, $65 million contract last winter. The contract is the longest and richest ever given to a White Sox pitcher.

“I am in good spirits for a change,” Danks said. “I expected it to be mid to late November at first. Things have progressed nicely, and the work has helped me get to this point.”

The 27-year-old pitcher is expected to be ready to compete for a job at the beginning of spring training.

“I was not seeing results trying to get stronger before the surgery,” he said. “Now I can see real results.”