A first for Konerko: trip to disabled list
Prior to Tuesday, Paul Konerko had never spent time on the disabled list over the course of his 14-year career as a professional baseball player.
When asked to explain his long run of good health, Konerko responded in typical deadpan fashion: "I never got hurt."
That changed before Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies, when Konerko strained his left oblique muscle while hitting in the indoor cage at U.S. Cellular Field.
The injury tends to be painful and lingers without proper rest, so Konerko headed for the sidelines.
"I've never had anything happen like this, so I don't have anything to compare it to," Konerko said. "(Trainer) Herm (Schneider), after looking at the MRIs, he just said, 'If you try to go, it can make it worse. At the least it's going to remain and linger.'
"In his experience you give it the two weeks, get it strong. I guess that's the thought behind it.
"I definitely can't play today. I couldn't guarantee I could play the next couple days; it's that sore. And if I can't do that, I can't hold this team hostage and expect to wait around four, five days, especially when you're moving into some National League games."
The White Sox play three big games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field this weekend, and Nick Swisher replaces Konerko at first base.
"That's a big one," Konerko said. "It kind of couldn't be worse. Those are the most fun games we have all year. And I've always played well in those games; I've always had good moments. It's definitely going to be odd watching."
It has been an odd year for Konerko. Even though the White Sox are in first place in the AL Central, Konerko is batting just .215 with 8 home runs and 30 RBI in 62 games.
Earlier in the season, the Sox captain's right hand was so sore he needed a cortisone shot.
"Hopefully the guys can keep playing well and when I come back off, hopefully, I can step in and do the job," Konerko said. "We have a good team here.
"Obviously this year isn't going the way I'd like it to go personally, but, you know, if I get big hits and have a good three months when I come off of this thing, if I get going and we go to the playoffs, that's fine with me.
"If it's not the year I wanted, I can deal with that. I've had other bad years, years that weren't up to my capabilities. It's not fun.
"You'd rather have great years every year, but the main thing is the team's doing well. I'm going to do well. I've got three months to go after I get off the DL. I'll do some good things for the team."