Peavy eyes return to Sox rotation next weekend

PHILADELPHIA -- Jake Peavy hopes to be pitching for the White Sox sometime next weekend at U.S. Cellular Field against the Braves.

Actually, Peavy had hoped to pitch against the Phillies on Sunday in the first-half finale. But with the right-hander having not worked since June 4 in Seattle due to a fractured rib on his left side, the White Sox felt it best for him to make a Minor League rehab start instead for Double-A Birmingham.

That start went off without a hitch, as Peavy allowed just one run on five hits over five innings, striking out four and walking two. He threw 57 of his 90 pitches for strikes and felt good about the effort in Huntsville.

"The biggest thing was the strength and stamina in this heat with limited cardio work because of the injury," Peavy told a pool reporter. "I got my body through the fatigue and [lack of] strength part of it.

"Sharpness and command got away in the fourth and fifth innings when I walked those [two] guys. That's in part to the fatigue factor. To be honest with you, it was tough to get the adrenalin going. I had more adrenalin going in the simulated game. There weren't many fans in the stands, and it was hot.

"I wasn't crazy sharp from the get-go," Peavy said. "I had better command on Tuesday, as this was not a controlled environment when things were better [on Tuesday]. I got to get it back."

Peavy will spend the All-Star break with his family in Alabama, but will have his brother catch him. The veteran right-hander, who figures to emerge healthy as a prime trade candidate, will await word on his next start that he hopes will be in Chicago.

"My arm strength needs to get better, but I think I can get my feel back," said Peavy, who threw a 76-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Detroit leading into this rehab start. "I'm ready to pitch."