White Sox' Ventura sticking with struggling Ramirez

Despite already matching his error total (12) from the entire 2012 season and hitting just 1 home run, White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez insists he hasn't lost confidence.

And Ramirez still has the complete support of manager Robin Ventura.

“He's a good shortstop,” Ventura said. “He's going to be playing every day. His focus and everything, as long as that's there, he's going to be playing. He's handled it fine. He's put it behind him and comes back ready to play the next day.”

On Sunday, the Sox were closing in on a three-game sweep of the Royals in Kansas City before Ramirez made an error in the eighth inning that led to a 7-6 loss.

In fairness to Ramirez, relief pitcher Jesse Crain also made an error earlier in the eighth that set up the Royals' late rally.

Before batting practice Tuesday, Ramirez apologized for declining to speak to the media in Sunday's postgame clubhouse and then put a positive spin on his difficult first half of the season.

“I have done everything I have always done to catch the ball, anticipate, and obviously, I hurt more than anybody else when these things happen,” Ramirez said through a translator.

“The support that my family and friends have given me has been key through these difficult times. My mind is still the same; I still have high expectations. I can't do anything about yesterday or the past. I've got today, and that's what I have to concentrate on.”

Konerko ailing:Paul Konerko was not in the starting lineup Tuesday night because of a sore back.#8220;It's just tight,#8221; manager Robin Ventura said. #8220;He's trying to work it out right now. This one is just recent. He wasn't feeling it in Kansas City. I think it's something that just popped up.#8221;Konerko is batting .407 (11-for-27) with a home run and 5 RBI during a seven-game hitting streak.Peavy update:Injured starting pitcher Jake Peavy, who has been on the disabled list since June 6 with a non-displaced left rib fracture, hopes to do some light throwing this week.If all goes well, Peavy has targeted next week for getting on the mound and throwing bullpens.#8220;I'm able to move around a whole lot better than I was a week or so ago,#8221; he said Tuesday. #8220;I don't really feel it much in my normal day activity.#8220;I'm hopefully getting better. I've been moving around, been doing some shoulder stuff at home. Hopefully when I start playing catch, we won't have any setbacks.#8221;Even while injured, Peavy's name has been popular as trade rumors start heating up in advance of the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. The 32-year-old righty is 6-4 with a 4.30 ERA in 11 starts with the White Sox this season.