"Ozzie Guillen's wish might be granted soon.

Because Scott Linebrink's right shoulder felt "great" after a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, the reliever said a simulated game "might not be too far in the future." That could portend a return to the White Sox's bullpen.

Linebrink has missed five weeks because of tendinitis behind his right shoulder and will throw off a mound Friday.

Asked if his bullpen was ready for the final 29 games, Guillen requested heavenly intervention.

"I believe in God," Guillen said. "God gave me a lot of great things. If God hears me, can he say: Linebrink, get healthy? God, can you please get him healthy for a month?"

Linebrink thought he might have corrected a mechanical flaw dating to his days as a prospect with San Francisco when he had a tendency to drop his arm angle and throw across his body. He missed the end of the 1998 season and the start of '99 after shoulder surgery.

"It's something I've always battled," Linebrink said. "I've been too quick with my lower half and let my arm drag. You want to work north and south and eliminate east and west.

"I was [throwing] 18 inches across my body, but I've gotten a lot better with it. It's understanding the way you throw. Sometimes you forget some of these things, and the simplest mechanics can jog in your memory.""