Peavy Gives Up Three Runs For White Sox
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Jake Peavy is more concerned with his health than results this spring training.
A right shoulder injury cut short his 2010 season and delayed his start last year, but Peavy came into spring training feeling healthy. Finally.
He was optimistic after his first spring outing Wednesday. Peavy allowed three runs and four hits in two innings in the White Sox's 10-6 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He struck out two, walked none, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch.
"I can't help but have a big smile on my face," Peavy said. "I know I gave up a few runs. But it's fun to be out there and I feel good and absolutely nothing on my body is hurting."
Alex Gonzalez went 2 for 3 with a double, a triple and four RBIs for Milwaukee. Ryan Braun had the day off and wasn't in the lineup. Starting pitcher Marco Estrada pitched two scoreless innings. He struck out one and allowed three hits.
Peavy focused on his fastball command, throwing few breaking balls. At one point, he threw eight consecutive fastballs to one side of the plate. He allowed an RBI triple to Norichika Aoki, a two-run double to Gonzalez and two infield singles.
"Command was pretty good," he said. "I threw the ball where I wanted to throw it for the most part. Good first step."
Peavy said he has no issues with an eye infection he dealt with earlier in camp. He wore contact lenses on the field, but he has ordered goggles in case they are needed in an emergency.
"I felt good with everything I did," Peavy said. "That's exciting for me because I haven't felt like that in a while."
Peavy has said he hopes to pitch a full season after all the injuries. He began last season on the disabled list while recovering from surgery to repair a detached muscle in his shoulder, which he injured July 6, 2010. He made his 2011 season debut May 11.
Peavy then spent time on the DL in June for a strained adductor, and he didn't pitch after Sept. 6 because of a tired arm. He finished the season 7-7 with a 4.92 ERA.
Estrada allowed two singles in the first inning and a double to Jordan Danks in the second inning. Estrada is slated for the bullpen but could join the rotation if there is an injury. He filled in for injured starters last season. He was 4-8 with a 4.08 ERA, making seven games among his career-high 43 major league appearances.
"I'm preparing as a starter, just in case because you never know," Estrada said. "If I'm back in the pen, which is what I'm thinking, I'll be ready for that. It's easier to go from five innings to one than one to five."
Brewers closer John Axford threw a scoreless inning. Taylor Jungmann, Milwaukee's 2011 first-round draft pick, allowed an unearned run in two innings.
The Sox fell to 0-3 this spring, but first-year manager Robin Ventura said he liked the players' at-bats and Peavy showed good velocity. A.J. Pierzynski and Brent Morel hit doubles.
"Down here, it's different because guys are working on stuff," Ventura said. "Even though you want to win the games, it's more important for guys to see certain kinds of at-bats."
NOTES: Prospect Brock Kjeldgaard was in left field instead of Braun and went 0 for 5. .Second baseman Rickie Weeks started as the Brewers designated hitter for the third consecutive game because of a sore shoulder. .Jesse Crain, who is competing with Matt Thornton to be the White Sox closer, made his spring debut after he was scratched Monday because of
a migraine. He allowed a run and two hits, struck out two and walked one in an inning. . White Sox prospect Jared Mitchell hit a two-run home run in the fifth. Ventura said the outfielder is making an impression after missing the 2010 season with an ankle injury.
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