Velocity not Danks' top priority this early in comeback

SEATTLE -- John Danks' average velocity checks in at 89 mph over his first three 2013 starts, according to fangraphs.com, and he topped out at 90 mph in his start Monday against Seattle. But Danks believes that worrying about velocity at this stage of his comeback does more harm than good.

"Really what got me in trouble at Wrigley is I was trying to get more than I had on that particular day," Danks said. "I've kind of taken the mindset that I'm going to go out there with what I have, try to stay within myself and throw the ball down in the zone.

"I didn't have great stuff [at Wrigley on May 29] and tried to make more than I have. When I do, the ball comes up and usually gets hit pretty hard."

White Sox manager Robin Ventura thought Danks looked as good as he has this season in Monday's loss, and Danks was in agreement thanks to a strong change and solid fastball command. He's also been warned about potentially not feeling this good throughout every start as the first year anniversary of his Aug. 6 arthroscopic shoulder surgery approaches.

"I'm certainly prepared for it," Danks said. "I think they told me that more to keep my psyche good rather than beat myself up and worrying about it's not there. I'm ready for it and hope it's not a problem."