White Sox’ Humber getting closer to return

John Danks’ return date figures to be mid-August, at the earliest.

There is much better news for the White Sox’ other starting pitcher, Philip Humber.

After making his second rehab start for Class AAA Charlotte the night before, Humber (right elbow flexor strain) was back at U.S. Cellular Field on Saturday.

“I feel good,” said Humber, who has been on the disabled list since June 17. “My arm feels great.

“This past (start), my fastball command was pretty much where I wanted it to be. That was really what we were going for this start.

“The first one was just to make sure you feel good. On this one I really wanted to improve my fastball command, and I feel like I did that, along with throwing sliders for the first time, so that was a good step, too.”

While the Sox scatter for the all-star break after Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays, Humber is expected to make 1 more start with Charlotte.

“If I do, really the main thing I want to work on next is the command of my off-speed pitches,” said Humber, who pitched a perfect game at Seattle on April 21 and struggled after that.

“That was the only thing I felt was kind of lacking this time. Other than that, everything felt good. My delivery feels good. I’m anxious to get back here and pitch in a big-league game.”

In 2 starts with Charlotte, Humber has pitched 6 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks.

Seeing stars:On Tuesday, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said Chris Sale was going to pitch 1 inning of relief in the All-Star Game.Manager Robin Ventura confirmed the news Saturday.#147;It#146;s going to be an inning,#148; Ventura said. #147;It won#146;t be more. He knows it; everybody knows it.#148;Axelrod up:After starting Wednesday against the Texas Rangers and throwing 107 pitches in 5 innings, Dylan Axelrod gets the start for the Sox on Sunday on three days#146; rest.Axelrod fills in for Chris Sale, who is being skipped so he can rest up for the second half.In six games (4 starts) with the White Sox this season, Axelrod is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA. The right-hander feels he has plenty of room for improvement.#147;I don#146;t want to give up a run,#148; Axelrod said. #147;I expect a lot out of myself. I want to throw a shutout every time.#148;Hudson sighting:Orlando Hudson played second base in place of the slumping Gordon Beckham (3-for-19) Saturday.It was Hudson#146;s first start since June 27, and he went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt. Since being replaced by Kevin Youkilis at third base, Hudson has been a positive presence in the clubhouse.#147;It#146;s not easy for a guy that#146;s played every day to accept it and actually do it and feel comfortable,#148; manager Robin Ventura said. #147;It#146;s still a process.#148;