Konerko to go on rehab assignment

White Sox slugger Paul Konerko hopes to come off the disabled list early next week after a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Charlotte this weekend.

Konerko strained his left oblique during batting practice on June 15 and landed on the disabled list for the first time in his career two days later.

It's been a difficult season for Konerko.

Besides the oblique problem, the three-time All-Star has been bothered by a sore right hand. The result is a .215 average, only eight homers and 30 RBIs. Konerko said the time off has allowed him to heal, and he felt his timing was starting to return during batting practice the past few days.