CHICAGO -- White Sox pitcher Miguel Gonzalez is one step closer to returning to Major League action.
Gonzalez threw his first simulated game since sustaining right rotator cuff inflammation nearly two months ago. The right-hander, who made three starts this season before his injury, threw 25 pitches and said it felt good to face live hitters again.
"The first two hitters I faced, [Trayce] Thompson and [Jose] Rondon, they weren't swinging. I said, 'Hey, you guys have to swing because I need to know where my pitches are at,'" Gonzalez said. "After that, they started swinging and I felt pretty good. They told me my ball was exploding good, and I was happy with my performance."
The next step for Gonzalez, he said, will be throwing again in a simulated environment next week in Cleveland and then begin a rehab assignment June 24.
Manager Rick Renteria said that while Gonzalez's pitches looked good, he's continuing to shake off some rust.
"You could tell he hasn't been out there in a while, so he's breathing a little hard after he's done at 25 pitches," Renteria said. "But he looked good. We'll see how he feels later on today, make sure he has no ill effects of throwing with more intensity."
"My curveball is the toughest one to get back," Gonzalez added, "but I threw some good ones. I have to have time to work on some stuff, but I felt pretty good."
While on the disabled list, Gonzalez said it can sometimes be hard staying connected with his teammates. Mostly, he just wants to "go out and help them win."
"You get anxious and you want to go out there and you want to be able to help out the team," Gonzalez said. "But we have to get ready, you have to step back and think about things and get better physically."
Leury starts rehab, Avi progressing well
Outfielder Leury Garcia was slated to begin his rehab assignment Saturday as DH for Triple-A Charlotte. Garcia has been sidelined with a left knee sprain since May 24.

Additionally, Renteria said that right fielder Avisail Garcia will get Saturday off before continuing to work his way back on his own rehab assignment. Garcia hasn't played since April 23 with a hamstring strain and, after enduring a setback in late May, has played four games with Charlotte.
"Avi had a good day yesterday," Renteria said. "He'll have his off-day to recover, he'll get back out there again on Sunday to play."