Levine: James Shields Progressing From Injury, With Rehab Start Next

By Bruce Levine

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The news was all good for right-hander James Shields and the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

Trying to come back from a right lat strain, the 35-year-old Shields threw 45 pitches in a simulated three-inning bullpen stint.

"It felt pretty good today," Shields said. "We went up and down three times. My pitches were working pretty good. I feel great at this point. I worked really hard trying to get back. We are ready to go on that rehab assignment soon."

Shields was placed on the disabled list in late April with the injury. His next step is a rehab assignment at Triple-A, most likely Saturday. He anticipates working three or four innings in that outing.

Shields had a strong start with a 1-0 record and 1.62 in his first three starts. An accomplished pitcher, Shields was coming off his worst season in baseball, going 6-19 with a 5.85 ERA in 2016.

Shields is eager to get back on the mound next.

"I am looking to be able to go up and down five or six times," Shields said. "Getting up and down that many times is where we need to be."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.