ST. PETERSBURG -- The White Sox have six pitchers on the disabled list, but the South Siders' list of walking wounded could begin to get a little shorter as soon as next week.
Starter James Shields will make his next rehab start with the Charlotte Knights on Thursday. The veteran righty, who was placed on the 10-day DL on April 21, has missed his last eight starts because of a strained right lat.
In his first rehab start on Sunday, Shields (1-0, 1.62) allowed one earned run in four innings, striking out three. Barring any setbacks, he could return to the White Sox rotation as soon as next week's series against Baltimore, although White Sox manager Rick Renteria said that there is no set timetable for his return.
The team also announced that left-hander Carlos Rodon (bicep bursitis) will make his second rehab start, also with team's Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, on Sunday. Rodon, who has been on the 10-day DL since April 2, allowed five earned runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings for the White Sox Class A Advanced affiliate, Winston-Salem, on Tuesday.
"[Rodon] came out healthy which is what we are most encouraged about and we'll continue to see those guys progress," Renteria said.
Shields and Rodon join rehabbing reliever Jake Petricka (right lat strain) in Charlotte. Petricka, who was placed on the 10-day DL on April 5, has made two appearances, allowing three earned runs in three innings.
Relievers Nate Jones and Zach Putnam, both on the 10-day DL because of elbow injuries, did not make the trip to Florida but have been working with team trainers in Chicago. A date for their return to the mound has not been set.
"They are healing and moving forward with the treatments," Renteria said.