Floyd making gradual progress following surgery

CHICAGO -- Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton seemed to share a common bond over the past few years as part of the White Sox, in that their names always came up in rumored deals around the non-waiver Trade Deadline of July 31. Thornton was moved to Boston on July 5, while Floyd recovers from season-ending surgery on May 7 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his elbow.

To be perfectly honest, Floyd would love to be part of those trade rumors once again.

"I wish I was in a better, healthier position where I could be helping out the team and stuff like that," said Floyd, speaking in the White Sox clubhouse before Sunday's contest. "All that trade rumor stuff and all that stuff that you know, you kind of, it means that you're playing and it's a better spot than where I'm at."

Floyd has some range of motion back in his right arm, calling it a big step but a small step, as well, in the long process. He'll visit Dr. David Altchek, who performed the successful surgery on Floyd, in about one month, and hopes to get to toss a bit after that visit.

"That'd be awesome," said a smiling Floyd. "But I think that appointment has to come first."

Being around his teammates helps Floyd deal with a recovery time originally set post-surgery at 14 to 19 months for the 30-year-old. But Floyd hasn't given up hope on returning at some point in '14.

"Everybody's different; I've heard guys come back in 10 months, I've heard guys come back in 12 and 14," Floyd said. "So, you know, I'm hopeful that I'll come back and be ready early next year, but you never know.

"Things have been going pretty good. I feel strong -- stronger I should say. The range of motion is a big step, but I've got a long way to go and I've got to focus on getting back and working out and getting back in shape and get my arm ready."