Steadily improving, White likely to stay in Florida

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- When the Astros break camp next week and head to Texas for the start of the regular season, right-hander Alex White will likely stay at Osceola County Stadium and continue his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

White is certainly no stranger to working out in Kissimmee. He spent nearly the entire summer at the team's spring complex after undergoing surgery on April 11 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. White made Houston's Opening Day roster a year ago before injuring his elbow in an exhibition game at Minute Maid Park.

"It's a little different this year," White said. "Obviously, I'm working for a goal that's a lot closer than it was last year. For me, it's about getting in games. I haven't been in a game in a long time, so this is the place to be to start that process, and hopefully once that starts, it will be a quick process."

White has thrown several live bullpen sessions this spring, but he hasn't pitched in any games. He's made significant process even in the last 10 days when it comes to his velocity. White was pitching in the low 80s 10 days ago, but he is now in the high 80s.

"Over 10 days, that was a good improvement, I think, and for all of us, it was nice to see that we can do that and hopefully just continue," he said. "We're doing well right now. Everything feels great, and we're just trying to build some arm strength and get the velocity back. We had a really good improvement over the past 10 days, and if we keep on that trajectory, it shouldn't be too long here where I can actually get out and pitch."