Sporting a protective boot on his left leg and moving gingerly on crutches, injured pitcher Jose Contreras (ruptured Achilles tendon) made a rare appearance in the White Sox locker room before Saturday's game.

"This is my first major injury and it's very frustrating to sit at home and watch the team knowing they are fighting for the division, and not being able to contribute," Contreras said through an interpreter. "But I feel very glad for the team that they are doing as good as they are."

And his teammates seemed glad to have the veteran righty back.

"I know he's feeling comfortable," said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "That happened to me, too. I came to the clubhouse. It's nice to be seen and I think the players like to see him, too."

Contreras is bracing for a rehab stint that may last as long as a year.

"I'm going to follow the doctor's strict orders as far as my rehab to get back as soon as possible," he said. "That's my goal."