HOUSTON -- Nate Jones' progress in rehabbing the pronator muscle strain in his right arm hit somewhat of a high point Wednesday, according to the White Sox right-hander, who has been on the disabled list since June 13.
"I got loose and ready and long-tossed out to 120, 130 [feet] or something like that," Jones said. "I came back in and threw flat ground. That was my second one [on flat ground]. I think we are getting pretty close to throwing off the mound sometime soon.
"We test it each day, and I've got to accomplish X, Y and Z before I throw and do what we need to do. So far we've done that, and every time, the next day I've responded well and been able to go after X, Y and Z again and get back out there again. It's going good. Everything has been feeling fine after throwing. It's been reacting well. We keep moving forward."
Jones knows a Minor League rehab stint will come before he returns to the White Sox. So the hard-throwing right-hander certainly won't be back with the team until after the All-Star break.
"I haven't asked and they haven't told me about a schedule," said Jones, who pitched in just 11 games last year before having season-ending nerve repositioning surgery in his right elbow. "At the beginning it's frustrating because you have worked hard to get back from other major surgeries and setbacks and stuff like that. But you just have to keep grinding through it and know it's all part of the plan.
"So, I always try to look at all of them being blessings in disguise. Look at the positive that comes out of it and makes me stronger, mentally and physically, and helps me realize how to take care of a new body part, the forearm area, better."
Renteria won't be surprised by trades
The White Sox talent acquisition won't be as major in 2018 compared to the massive amount of movement leading into the 2017 non-waiver Trade Deadline and then in August. But, White Sox manager Rick Renteria wouldn't be surprised to see trades involving his roster, including first baseman Jose Abreu and right fielder Avisail Garcia.
"Well, no, it wouldn't be surprising because it's just the nature of the business," Renteria said. "These guys are two top guys, along with a couple of other guys we have. Hopefully they are still a part of the guys that are going to be here for us moving forward."
Third to first
Donn Roach, the White Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June, was released from his contract Thursday to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan. The 28-year-old posted a 9-2 record with a 2.65 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) for Triple-A Charlotte.