Peavy takes another step toward return to action

ST. PETERSBURG -- Jake Peavy's 53-pitch bullpen session prior to Friday's game instilled a level of excitement in the veteran right-hander as well as a slight feeling of frustration. So, it was fairly representative of Peavy's demeanor in every start he makes.

Peavy moved closer to a return from a fractured rib in his left side that placed him on the disabled list retroactive to June 5. He threw all of his pitches, and Peavy's arm strength felt pretty good for the first 10 or 15 pitches. But with Peavy being unable to do any sort of exercise for a month because of the injury, the rebound process is somewhat akin to the gradual work put in during Spring Training.

Next up for Peavy is a simulated game in Detroit on Tuesday, when White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said Peavy will get up and down three or four times for at least 45 pitches. If that session goes well and Peavy feels strong the next day, there's a chance Peavy could start the final game of the season's first half in Philadelphia.

Manager Robin Ventura sounds more inclined to have Peavy make a Minor League rehab start or two. With Peavy serving as the team's most significant trade piece, the White Sox probably won't send him to a Major League mound until he's ready to go at close to full strength.

"It would be tough to stick him back out there, being off this long," Ventura said. "You'd like to see him get the adrenaline going. It's a different game than going out and throwing a bullpen and expecting him to go out in a game. I would doubt very highly he would go out there without a rehab start."

"You know me, and I'd probably be all for that if it's a possibility," said Peavy of skipping the Minor League rehab. "I could certainly see that being a possibility. I'm not sure from their end. I'd love nothing more than that being a possibility."

Friday's frustration and disappointment for Peavy came from missing location on a few offerings. Even in a bullpen setting, after a long period of inactivity, Peavy wants to make every pitch.

"He's picky because he knows what he's capable of," Cooper said. "I don't go in and expect him to hit every spot. I've done this for how many years now, and I've had lots and lots of guys and I haven't had one guy who hit every spot.

"Nobody is perfect. But he wants to be as close to perfect as he can get. It irritates him when he does it, no matter how many days he's had off or not. He expects it to be good and that's not a bad thing."