Konerko close to making return

It looks like Paul Konerko is close to getting back on the baseball field.

Out since June 15 with a strained left oblique, Konerko was hoping to start a rehabilitation assignment on Monday with Class AAA Charlotte.

The White Sox' veteran first baseman had a setback on Sunday related to scar tissue discomfort, but Konerko was feeling much better after taking early batting practice Tuesday.

"It was a good day,'' Konerko said. "I took a lot of swings on the field today. I was definitely more encouraged today than I was the last few times out there. We'll take it for what it's worth and see how it bounces back.''

Manager Ozzie Guillen pitched to Konerko Tuesday.

"One thing about it, when you have that type of injury, the biggest thing is don't be afraid to swing,'' Guillen said. "It's painful. He hit a couple balls out of the ballpark, he hit the ball opposite field. For me, what I saw, I think he's not too far away from being back playing.''

Konerko could start his rehab stint with Charlotte Thursday and be back with the Sox on Sunday.

Double Danks: Jordan Danks, brother of White Sox starting pitcher John Danks, visited U.S. Cellular Field Tuesday and took early batting practice.

Jordan was drafted by the Sox on the seventh round of last month's amateur draft. As a junior at the University of Texas, Danks batted .317 and had 5 home runs, 32 RBI and 14 stolen bases.

While he hasn't signed with the White Sox yet, Jordan is already looking forward to playing with John.

"Everybody's been saying from Day 1, 'What's it going to be like if you ever make it to the show and have to face your brother?''' Jordan Danks said. "I don't have to worry about that now. I'm really excited about it and being here's a lot of fun. Hopefully, I'll be in his outfield some day helping tracking down some of those balls that get away every now and again.''