Konerko not about to rest on his laurels

Why is Paul Konerko such a successful hitter? He’s a machine.

Rather than slack off as his career gradually winds down, the White Sox’ 36-year-old captain keeps taking his work ethic to new levels.

“Guys train, and (Konerko) and A.J. (Pierzynski, 35) both at the age they’re at, they train,” manager Robin Ventura said. “They come in, they get their work in. They’re still good players and that’s part of staying consistent. Even though you’re playing every day, you still come in and work at it. And they do that whether it’s in the cage or watching film, stuff like that.

“(Konerko’s) probably a little smarter than he was when he was younger. Just understanding what guys are trying to do.”

Showing some symptoms of age, Konerko sat out Sunday’s game against the Red Sox with a stiff neck. He was back in the lineup against the Indians on Tuesday night at designated hitter.

“It’s definitely better than Sunday, probably closer to Saturday,” Konerko said. “It’s still there, but I think it’s kind of on its way out, so that’s good.”

Konerko has been very good early in the season, ranking among American League leaders in nearly every major category.

“Part of going through the season is coming in every day and if you like where you’re at and you like the way you’re swinging it, you work hard to keep that feeling,” Konerko said. “Come in every day and start your process of getting yourself together and then you kind of build an approach for that night and try to execute.

“If it works out, great, you start again tomorrow. If it doesn’t you kind of start from scratch and do it again. It’s just that never-ending process until it’s over.”

Moose laid to rest:

Bill “Moose” Skowron was buried Tuesday following a funeral mass at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago.

Skowron, who lived in Schaumburg, died Friday of congestive heart failure. He spent 14 seasons in the major leagues, and was best known for playing on four World Series champion teams with the New York Yankees.

Since 1999, Skowron served as a community services representative with the White Sox. He also played for the Sox from 1964-67.

“It’s just an anomaly to belong to two different teams and two different cities and be so beloved by so many people,” former Yankees great Tony Kubek said during the eulogy.

Kubek and Skowron were roommates with the Yankees.

Crain update:

Eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Sunday, White Sox relief pitcher Jesse Crain (strained left oblique) played catch before Tuesday’s game against the Indians.

“He still feels some stuff,” pitching coach Don Cooper said. “He feels it a little bit, but it was nothing. I don’t think we’ve lost any time. The schedule is going to be he goes on Thursday to throw a sideline.”

Crain hasn’t pitched in a game since April 20, so he could go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated.