Peavy's steady progress could lead to debut in N.Y.

If Jake Peavy continues progressing, he could join the White Sox' starting rotation on Aug. 28 and debut against New York at new Yankee Stadium.

Peavy, acquired in a July 31 trade from the San Diego Padres for Clayton Richard and three minor-league pitchers, threw a sideline session on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field and another one in San Diego on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old righty has been on the disabled list since June 9 with a strained tendon in his right ankle.

"(Wednesday) went very well," Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. "He turned up the intensity more, second time off the mound, and he's looking to continue to climb."

Peavy is scheduled to throw again on Saturday, possibly at the Cell, and start a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday.

"We have some dates tentatively in mind but we are going to sit down with him and map this out," Cooper said. "We need his input. It's something we aren't going to dictate: 'This is exactly what we are doing.' We are going to come up with a plan, and with any plan, you better be flexible or it's not as good as you think it was in the first place."

Cooper also said Peavy needs "at least three" minor-league starts before joining the White Sox. If three works out and he stays on schedule, Peavy would be ready to join the Sox in New York.

Cuban connection? The White Sox already have three players that defected from Cuba - shortstop Alexei Ramirez, starting pitcher Jose Contreras and third baseman Dayan Viciedo, who is playing at Class AA Birmingham.

The trio have the same agent, Jaime Torres, and they've all been treated well in the Sox' system.

Is there more room on the White Sox for players with Cuban roots?

Torres told ESPN.com that pitchers Yadel Marti and Juan Yasser and center fielder Yasser Gomez have been declared free agents after defecting to the United States through the Dominican Republic. Gomez and Marti are the top two talents, and they've reportedly expressed an interest in signing with either the White Sox, Yankees or Red Sox.

Torres would like to get Gomez and Marti major-league contracts before Sept. 1 so they're eligible for the playoffs.

Marti, 29, was Cuba's ace in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, throwing 122/3 scoreless innings. Gomez, 28, is a fleet outfielder and a career .331 hitter in Cuba.

Contreras played with Marti and Gomez on the Cuban national team.

"Very good pitcher," Contreras said of Martis. "Very fast," Contreras said of Gomez.

Starter wanted: The Sox need a starting pitcher for Saturday night's game against the Indians, and Carlos Torres is likely to get the call.

Torres came up from Class AAA Charlotte and started against Tampa Bay on July 22, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings.

Torres is 9-4 with a 2.21 ERA with Charlotte.

Still out: Closer Bobby Jenks remains sidelined after dealing with kidney stones. He could return against the Indians this weekend.