Contreras ready, eager to return

MINNEAPOLIS - The nonwaiver trade deadline is Thursday, and White Sox general manager Kenny Williams twice in the past week said no deal is even remotely close.

That doesn't mean the Sox won't be getting some help for the stretch run.

On the disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow, starting pitcher Jose Contreras threw 50 pitches off the mound before Monday night's game against the Twins.

With White Sox reliever Octavio Dotel serving as his translator, Contreras said he was pleased with his biggest test since going on the DL on July 20 (retroactive to July 18).

"I feel very strong right now," Contreras said. "So coming back from that injury and the way I felt today, it was unbelievable."

Contreras threw his fastball, forkball, changeup and slider.

"Nothing was bothering me," he said. "I threw 100 percent and feel good."

Contreras was pretty bad in his last 2 starts before landing on the DL, pitching 9 innings and allowing 12 earned runs on 20 hits. The big right-hander's fastball lacked zip and his forkball was flat.

Now Contreras hopes to make a minor-league rehabilitation start this weekend and then rejoin the Sox' rotation.

"The way I felt today, I don't think it's going to be a long time down there," said Contreras, who last started July 13. "I think I can pitch here, but normally they send you to the minor leagues. Maybe 1 start down there, then come back."

If Contreras is feeling like his old self, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen can't wait to welcome him back.

"He's going to have a couple days off and throw another one and he should be ready for the rehab assignment," Guillen said. "I like what I hear. He said he feels great and the ball was coming out of his hand pretty well. Hopefully he's ready to go when we need him out there."