Danks will start season on the DL

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Following Wednesday’s 4-2 Cactus League loss to the Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch, White Sox manager Robin Ventura announced a decision that comes as no surprise.

John Danks is going to open the season on the disabled list.

Just over seven months removed from shoulder surgery, Danks clearly needs more work before he’s ready to rejoin the Sox’ starting rotation.

In Tuesday’s outing against the Reds, Danks allowed 10 runs on 11 hits in 3 innings and had zero strikeouts.

“We went over yesterday with what happened yesterday, what he’s feeling and where we’re going to end up … he’s going to pitch some minor-league games, just to see if he can get that velocity back and see how it goes,” Ventura said.

Danks is likely to open the season with Class AAA Charlotte. He last pitched a regular-season game for the White Sox on May 19.

“He’s going out there without the velocity he needs to do what he does,” Ventura said. “I don’t want to keep sending him out there with one arm tied behind his back. Until he can get that back, feels he can go out there and do that, this is what’s best.”

Danks, who has a 16.36 ERA in 4 exhibition starts, talked about his status again Wednesday morning and almost expected the DL decision.

“It is not about me,” Danks said. “This is a team game and obviously we are here to win ballgames no matter who is doing it. I would like to be there, but I will certainly understand if they want me to wait a little bit and someone else is throwing better a little bit in April.”

Either Dylan Axelrod or Hector Santiago will take Danks’ spot in the rotation. Ventura appears to be leaning toward the former.

“As for right now, yeah, Dylan probably would be the guy to fill in and do that,” Ventura said. “Again, we still have another week to figure that out for John. Axe battles and he’s a smart pitcher. He’s been a jack of all trades for us, and we feel comfortable having him if he’s the one who steps in and does that.”