Nate Jones is ready to take the next step towards re-joining the Chicago White Sox.
The right-handed reliever will make his first rehab start with Class-A Winston-Salem Friday.
Jones, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has not pitched in a game since April 2014.
Manager Robin Ventura was impressed the simulated game Jones threw Monday afternoon.
"Nate looked great," Ventura said via CSN Chicago. "Velocity, just coming out of his hand was better than you could expect from where he was and what he's doing now.
"I know he's going to go out this week and start pitching again and from there you see how he does. It's not accelerated because he looked good throwing out here. There's a plan there and you're going to stick with it."
Jones has pitched in a number of simulated games since mid-June and will work on fine tuning his pitches before rejoining the White Sox in a few weeks.
(h/t CSN Chicago)
