As a top prospect for the Chicago White Sox in , he was selected as the team's fifth starter in their rotation. The 72-90 White Sox provided Danks with little support in the first half of the season; he was 5-6 with an acceptable 4.62 ERA before the break. Down the stretch, Danks tired, and he was shut down for the year after a slow September start. Danks finished the second half 1-7 with a 7.11 ERA. For the season, he finished with a record of 6-13 with a dismal 5.50 ERA in 26 starts.