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Garcia holding out hope for return this season

CHICAGO -- Avisail Garcia is not giving up hope on playing again during the 2014 regular season, despite undergoing what was deemed season-ending surgery on April 15 to repair a torn labrum and avulsion fracture in his left shoulder.

"I feel pretty good. My arm is moving a little bit more," Garcia told MLB.com. "I'm looking forward to see if I have a chance to play this year. I don't know yet. I have to keep working and see what happens.

"I'm positive. Hopefully I have a chance to play this year. So let's see what happens. We never know."

Garcia suffered the injury on April 9 in Colorado while diving for a fly ball in right field. X-rays taken in Denver showed no clear fracture or separation, which is all that can be seen on an X-ray, but the MRI done the next morning in Chicago showed the labrum damage. The news devastated Garcia, who was expecting no more than a disabled list stint.

While the White Sox right fielder admits to having "a little bit" of pain in the left shoulder, he is upbeat and said the rehab program that has him at the ballpark four or five hours per day is progressing well. The White Sox appreciate Garcia's desire to get back, but they aren't changing their prognosis or plan.

"He continues to work extremely hard, feels good, and is progressing nicely, which is great," general manager Rick Hahn said of Garcia. "However, we remain committed to the recovery program and time frame as originally laid out and do not anticipate that changing."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin.
Read More: Chicago White Sox, Avisail Garcia