Konerko's rehab stint delayed by soreness

There has been a change in plans with White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who is on the disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.

Hoping to fly to Norfolk, Va., on Sunday and begin a rehabilitation assignment today with Class AAA Charlotte, Konerko now finds himself in a holding pattern.

"There's definitely some soreness, a little bit during and then after I hit (Saturday)," Konerko said. "The plan was to leave today, but the bottom line is there was a little too much soreness to get on a plane today and get ready to go tomorrow. That's it. As far as a timeline, I don't know now."

A setback was anticipated because of the pain caused by scar tissue breaking up, and that's what Konerko's dealing with.

"Breaking that scar tissue, that can be as painful as the initial injury, which is what I'm learning," Konerko said. "There's that soreness in there that makes you think you're still injured, but really you're just stretching that muscle back out. I know what (I need) to take out to a game and face a guy that is throwing 90, and with the bat speed I have right now, I know it's not there.

"That's not to say it won't be there Tuesday or Wednesday, because once it gets out I think it will be fine. It's just not the right time."

Back to the grind: After playing their sixth game against the Cubs in the last 10 days, the White Sox are done with their cross-town rivals.

Manager Ozzie Guillen isn't anticipating a letdown when the Sox open a three-game series against the Indians tonight at U.S. Cellular Field.

"Playing the Cleveland Indians is more important because they are in our division," Guillen said. "I hope my players don't change their attitude, playing the Cubs or another ballclub. The feeling in the ballpark won't be the same, no doubt. But the players should have the same feeling on the field no matter who they are playing against."

The White Sox are 21-11 against the AL Central.

"In order to get to the playoffs, you've got to win in your division," right fielder Jermaine Dye said. "You always have to go out and try and win in your division. That's our mind-set and our focus."

Tube talk: Manager Ozzie Guillen would prefer spending the time with his family, but he's fine with the Sox and the Cubs being on consecutive Sunday night ESPN broadcasts.

"I love it because that means we are playing well," Guillen said. "When you are in last place, they don't want to see you or even talk about you."