White Sox’ Konerko cleared by doctors
The White Sox failed in Toronto, again, but Paul Konerko passed a big test.
Out with a concussion after taking a Jarrod Dyson elbow to the right side of the head in last Tuesday’s game against Kansas City, Konerko underwent a series of tests Monday at Rush University Medical Center and was cleared to resume physical activity.
“Everything is looking good,” manager Robin Ventura told reporters in Toronto, before the White Sox lost to the Blue Jays 3-2 in 11 innings at Rogers Centre.
“(Tuesday) he’ll probably start riding a bike and doing physical stuff. I don’t know if he will do a whole lot of baseball stuff, but he will start getting some activity in to see how that goes. But things are progressing.”
Konerko is on major-league baseball’s seven-day disabled list and is eligible to come off Friday, when the Sox open a three-game series at Kansas City.
“Once he starts doing baseball stuff they’re going to check him after that to make sure that stuff goes away,” Ventura said. “Right now just slow stuff and rest. That was the key to the first four days, make sure he didn’t do anything.”
While the White Sox would love to get their captain back Friday, Konerko’s return could be delayed.
“I’m not a doctor,” Ventura said. “You don’t know how quickly that’s going to subside and he’s going to feel better. It’s not like an arm injury; it’s more how he feels. You’ve seen with some guys it’s taken a long time to get back. Some it hasn’t taken that long. You cross your fingers and hope it’s Friday.”
With or without Konerko, the White Sox have little choice but to play on.
“Obviously, Konerko’s going to be out for a few days with his concussion, and we miss him,” Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said Sunday. “He’s a presence in the middle of the lineup, and he’s our cleanup hitter. But other guys stepped up, and that’s what good teams do. They find ways to get things done.”
ŸLeft-handed relief pitcher Donnie Veal was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte on Monday.
The White Sox are going with 13 pitchers after sending outfielder Jordan Danks back to Charlotte on Sunday. Veal was with the Sox in July and pitched 1 scoreless innings with 3 strikeouts.
Veal could take over for rookie left-hander Leyson Septimo, who issued a 4-pitch leadoff walk in the 11th inning Monday night to set up Toronto’s 3-2 win.
sgregor@dailyherald.com