GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Chicago White Sox starter John Danks' readiness for the regular season remains a big question mark with 12 days left in spring training.
Danks allowed 10 runs and 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, surrendering back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to Chris Heisey and Jay Bruce that ended his day.
"We will see how he is tomorrow," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "For me that is the biggest thing -- to see how he is doing. Then you make a decision. You don't really want to make a decision right now. The window is closing and it is getting pretty tight."
The White Sox have a few other choices for the fifth starter role if Danks begins the year on the disabled list. Left-hander Hector Santiago and right-hander Dylan Axelrod may get the call if Danks has to go to the minor leagues in April.
Coming back from offseason shoulder surgery, Danks has struggled with command and arm strength in his four Cactus League outings. His composite (21 runs in 10 innings) should be a concern as the start of the season looms.
"It was one of those days when nothing really went right," Danks said Tuesday. "It's been a long time since I gave up 10 runs in four innings."
Ventura may sit down with the pitcher as early as Wednesday morning to discuss the next step in his comeback.
The White Sox will most likely need a fifth starter in the second week of the season. The club begins a streak of 20 straight games on April 9. Ventura said he would like to have a fifth starter to begin the season .
Danks had shoulder surgery in August 2012 after missing four months of the season. He signed a five-year, $65 million contract in fall 2011.