Peavy says ankle is fine, but needs to get strength back

After making his second rehab start for Class AAA Charlotte Tuesday night and allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits in 4 innings, Jake Peavy said his injured right ankle "felt good."

But a two-month layoff has obviously taken a toll on Peavy, who was acquired by the White Sox in a July 31 trade from the San Diego Padres.

"The ankle is the least of my worries," he told reporters after pitching against Durham. "I'm a long way from where I'm used to being. Think about it, from where I am, my body feels like it's January."

After throwing 43 pitches in his first minor-league start last Thursday, Peavy got his pitch count up to 67 vs. Durham.

"I threw everything I had," he said. "I just didn't have command of the breaking ball at all. I have to be able to do certain things with the baseball to be the pitcher I know I can be. The baseball stuff is going to come, but right now I have to get my strength back."

Maybe Peavy will feel better after another start for Charlotte, but it sounds like he won't be ready until some time in September.

"Bottom line, I've got to do the best thing for me and the organization," Peavy said. "I want to make a wise decision. As bad as I want to be on a big-league field helping the team win, you have to understand where you are physically. Right now, I don't believe I could take the field and throw seven (innings)."