Chicago White Sox starter Samardzija blocks out trade rumors

As he showed in his July 4 start against the Orioles while allowing 1 run on 3 hits in 7.2 innings against the Orioles, Jeff Samardzija is a valuable starting pitcher.

It's up to the White Sox to determine if he has more value staying on the 25-man roster or in a trade for prospects.

With the July 31 deadline approaching, the Sox don't have much more time to decide.

If general manager Rick Hahn finally determines the White Sox are not going to suddenly start playing quality baseball and make a playoff run, trading Samardzija makes sense.

A free agent at the end of the season, the 30-year-old pitcher is looking forward to testing the market and he is likely to be expensive.

A year ago, the Cubs traded Samardzija to the Oakland A's for a package of prospects, including infielder Addison Russell.

"I probably watched and paid attention a little more last time and things ended up happening that had nothing do with anything," said Samardzija, who is 5-4 with a 4.33 ERA while leading American League starters with 126 hits allowed. "It taught me to not pay attention to it and go about my business."

Samardzija's next start is Thursday against Toronto. Ironically, the Blue Jays are rumored to be a potential trade destination.

"It's tough moving," Samardzija said. "Being traded is no fun. You have to start from ground zero. Being here at home has been a great experience and an unexpected one with where I was last winter. Obviously, I love it. All the rumors are exactly that, they're rumors. As long as you didn't start them yourself, they shouldn't matter too much. We're going to keep pitching and whatever happens, happens."

Jones getting close:

Almost a year after having Tommy John surgery, Nate Jones is close to returning to the White Sox' bullpen.

Jones threw a simulated game Monday at U.S. Cellular Field and is scheduled to go on a rehab assignment this weekend.

"Nate looked great," manager Robin Ventura said. "The velocity, just coming out of his hand, was better than you could expect from where he was and what he's doing now."

If he continues to progress, Jones should be able to rejoin the Sox by the end of the month.

"The next couple of weeks would be reasonable to say," said Jones, who only pitched in 2 games last season. "When I come back, personally, I want to be 100 percent. I don't want anymore growing pains or taking it easy with me. I want to be able to out-of-the-chute come out and throw back-to-back days. When you see me come back, I'm ready to go."

Wrigley watch:

Jeff Samardzija pitches on Thursday, so he is not in the White Sox' starting rotation against the Cubs at Wrigley Field this weekend.

"It's unfortunate, but it's OK," Samardzija said. "I'll be there to watch. It'll be cool to be back there and enjoy the great visiting facilities, from what I've heard, and go from there."