On May 25, 2012, Danks was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain. That injury turned out to be season-ending, as he had surgery on August 6 on his left shoulder to "explore and correct issues" found there. He was hoping to come back in late September, but instead opted towards having the surgery so he could be ready for 2013 spring training. In 9 starts with Chicago, he went 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 53.2 innings.