CHICAGO -- Dontrelle Willis' pitching arm felt better Wednesday, a day after the Florida Marlins ace was forced to leave a start after one inning because of tightness in his left forearm.
"It felt a lot looser today," Willis said after playing catch in the outfield before the series finale with the Chicago White Sox.
Willis wasn't sure whether he would make his scheduled start on Sunday against Minnesota.
"Well see," Willis said. "I'm not sure if they're going to give me some (extra) time, yet. Regardless, I want to start three times before the break."
Willis, who gave up four runs Tuesday night, said his forearm was tight when he woke up Wednesday morning but it improved after treatment.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Willis' next start could be pushed back to next Tuesday or Wednesday. The Marlins have two off days coming up.
"He hasn't made it this far by being a sissy," Gonzalez said. "He's a tough guy. All signs are that he'll be OK."
Willis, 7-6 with a 4.90 ERA, was adamant that he wouldn't need to go to the disabled list and also ruled out an MRI exam.
"I don't think it's needed," he said, adding that the pain stops just short of his elbow. "I just don't feel it's to that point."
Evan Drexler 
