GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jake Peavy no-hit the Seattle Mariners through five innings on Saturday, appearing ready to stake his claim on the Opening Day starting assignment one day after Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura refused to say who his choice will be.

The 29-year-old right-hander, who came into the game with a 18.69 ERA in two previous starts, has said he is healthy for the first time in four seasons.

“I remember last year [pitching coach Don Cooper] saying, ‘Stay tall. Get on top of your pitches,’” Peavy said. “And then I made phone calls, saying, ‘My arm is not right,’ and ‘I don’t feel good.’ On top of that, my stuff wasn’t the same. This year has been a breath of fresh air. Last year I pushed and pushed it then, totally my fault, I pitched in relief two days after making a start and after that I was behind the eight ball.”

Peavy, who went 7-7 last season, still hopes he can prove to White Sox brass and the fan base that the trade that brought him to Chicago was not a mistake.

“I am as healthy as I am going to get and I am as healthy as they have ever seen me,” Peavy said.

As far as Opening Day, Peavy says it’s John Danks' job in his mind.

“This is John’s time now,” Peavy said. “Don’t get me wrong, it would be a great honor, but I have started on Opening Day before.”

Ventura was impressed with both Peavy’s outing and Danks’ Friday performance.

“It’s starting to look better,” Ventura said. “Not only the staff, but the guys in the bullpen are coming in and doing their job. I am excited about it.”

Ventura said after Saturday’s game that third baseman Brent Morel will be back in the lineup against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in Mesa. Reliever Jesse Crane is still recovering from a right side oblique strain and there is no date set for his return at this point.