Things didn’t quite pan out for the White Sox, did they? Besides treating fans to this season’s most thrilling moment (Mark Buehrle’s perfect game), the organization has watched their playoff hopes weaken after the risky acquisitions of Alex Rios and Jake Peavy proved either unfruitful or untimely. While Rios morphed from a former All-Star into a role player, Peavy worked diligently in the minors to overcome nagging injuries. He finally made his White Sox debut yesterday and even got the win. His last start was with the Padres on June 6th, so he obviously isn’t 100 percent just yet.

“I think it’s more like Spring Training soreness, no doubt,” said Peavy. “I’m more sore than I think I will be April or May of next year. I have an extra day in between starts with Thursday’s off-day, so that will help.”

The right-hander will take the mound next on Friday against the Tigers, to begin a weekend home series that the White Sox hope will have some sort of playoff ramifications. Peavy threw 73 pitches in Saturday night’s return to a Major League mound, following a three-month absence due to a partially-torn tendon in his right ankle and the after-effects of taking a line drive off of his pitching elbow during a Minor League rehab start. Both of those rehabbed areas presented no further issue after his performance.

In the 13-3 victory, Peavy gave up three runs on three hits over five innings, while striking out five. His fastball velocity stayed in the 92-93 mph range, topping out at 94, while his slider had good bite from the start, as Peavy fanned three of the first four hitters faced. He would have returned for a sixth inning, if not for the extended down time during the White Sox rally in the bottom of the fifth.

While the club would have preferred that Peavy rebounded a bit sooner, at least he’s showing his compassion and drive to his new fans. I really admire Peavy’s attitude. Like David Wright, this is a guy that’s ashamed to go on the DL and gives it his all even when his team isn’t in the playoff hunt. I hope he regains his status next year as one of the dominant pitchers in the game.