GLENDALE, Ariz. - Two more starts isn't enough time for John Danks to convince the White Sox he can increase his velocity enough to make the opening-day roster.

Manager Robin Ventura said Danks will make his final two spring starts in minor league games and is headed to the 15-day disabled list to build strength in his surgically repaired left shoulder. Danks, allowed 27 hits in 11 innings and struck out only four of the 66 batters he faced.

Dylan Axelrod, who pitched three innings in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Arizona, likely will take Danks' spot.

"The best chance for (Danks) would be to pitch strong and keep him in minor league games and start on the DL," Ventura said. "I don't want to keep sending him out there with one arm tied behind his back. Until he can get that (velocity) back and feels he can do that, this is what's best."

The decision was inevitable as Danks couldn't increase his velocity to the low 90-mph range he possessed before surgery last August.

As recently as Tuesday morning, the Sox were hoping Danks could throw six effective innings by the start of the regular season, but "it just got to a point where he doesn't have the difference in his fastball and changeup to get that," Ventura said.

Axelrod, 27, is 3-2 with a 4..78 ERA in 18 big league appearances (10 starts). He allowed four runs over 21 innings in three starts at Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Oriole Park last season.

On Wednesday, he committed a balk that led to Ryan Court's two-run tie-breaking single in the eighth inning.

"(Axelrod) has been a jack of all trades for us, and we feel comfortable having him if he's the one who steps in and does that," Ventura said.

Left-hander Hector Santiago remains a slight possibility and is scheduled to pitch in relief of Jose Quintana on Friday night against the A's. Santiago was 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA in four starts for the Sox late last year. He pitched in the Puerto Rican Winter League to prepare as a starter.

Keeping Santiago in the bullpen gives the Sox an effective long reliever. Jesse Crain, recovering from a right adductor strain, allowed one run on two hits in one inning against the Dodgers in a minor league game but has pitched in only one Cactus League game.

"Physically, I'm ready and very excited if that turns out the way it is, and I'm ready to get after it," Axelrod said.

Dunn's destiny: In preparation for the Sox's interleague series at Washington on April 9-11, Adam Dunn played left field and threw out catcher Rod Barajas, who was trying to score from second on a single.

"You won't have an easier one," said Dunn, who has played seven games in left the last two seasons. "No offense to Rod, he's not Michael Johnson or anything. It was kind of a little perfect storm. I'm just glad I didn't airmail it."

Extra innings: Center fielder Alejandro De Aza and right fielder Alex Rios will start Thursday after returning from the World Baseball Classic. ... Left fielder Dayan Viciedo also is in the lineup after missing Wednesday's game because of a right quad cramp.