Buehrle boost for ChiSox

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle says he is fit enough to play on opening day after returning to pre-season action.

Buehrle threw 87 pitches over five innings against Colorado and looks set to begin the White Sox's season for the fourth straight year.

The left-hander had not pitched since 19 March after suffering a stress injury to his left foot.

Initially it was feared he would be out for between six and eight weeks.

But he pitched pain-free against the Rockies and declared afterwards: "Everything felt fine.

"I was up in the zone a little bit more than I want to be, but I'm not worried going into opening day about my control.

"It's just not being out there for a while and getting back out there and getting a little adrenaline going."

Buehrle allowed eight hits and two earned runs, walking one and striking out three.

"I think he can easily go seven innings," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

"I don't have any doubt in my mind. He has the confidence. The main thing was for him to get out of there healthy."

Veteran first baseman Andres Galarraga has retired after struggling in pre-season with the New York Mets.

A five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove in a 19-year career, Galarraga, 43, was one home run short of hitting 400.

Known to fans as 'The Big Cat', he hit just .235 in 17 games for the Mets this spring, with three home runs and seven RBIs.