ATLANTA, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- John Danks was once a 15-game winner, but shoulder issues have sent his career spiraling.
He spent 10 years with the Chicago White Sox before being released in May. On Monday, the 31-year-old was signed to a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. After his 2012 shoulder surgery, Danks is 22-44 with a 4.48 ERA. Before going under the knife, he was 51-47 with a 3.89 ERA.
Source: John Danks has signed with the Atlanta Braves. Danks, 31, is coming back after sitting out most of 2016. It's a minor league deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2016
Danks told FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman last month that he planned to pitch this season. His new deal means that he will attend Braves' spring training.
John Danks plans on pitching in 2017. Good comeback candidate.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 16, 2016
The southpaw held a 7.25 ERA and 0-4 record in four starts last season for the White Sox, before being designated for assignment in May. Due to a stuffed Braves rotation, it appears Danks would likely be set up for a relief pitching role.
Sad to See John Danks DFA’d. Was a favorite of mine pre-shoulder surgery but was never the same. Will never forget Game 163 in ’08.
— Mike Ferrin (@Mike_Ferrin) May 3, 2016