White Sox's Konerko out with broken hand
CLEVELAND (AP) White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko wants to end his career on his terms, not because of a broken bone in his left hand.
The 38-year-old slugger, who plans on retiring at the end of the season, was diagnosed with a fractured sesamoid Friday, three days after he was injured while tagging out Twins shortstop Danny Santana in Minnesota.
''I'm going to do everything I can to get back for a couple of games before it's all over,'' Konerko said following Chicago's 2-1 loss to Cleveland in 10 innings. ''If this happened at any other time of the season, I'd be on the disabled list right now. It's very swollen, very stiff, and I can't do much with it at all.''
Chicago manager Robin Ventura said he expects Konerko to play again this season, but ruled him out for the three-game series against the Indians.
Konerko wasn't as positive about his status, explaining that he can't close his left fist and doesn't believe he will resume baseball activities until at least next weekend.
''If you can't swing a bat or catch a throw from an infielder, it's tough to play,'' he said. ''I don't know what it's going to feel like, but I know bones don't usually heal in a week.''
The White Sox will hold Paul Konerko Day on Sept. 27 at U.S. Cellular Field during the final weekend of the season. Konerko has played for the White Sox since 1999 and is the team's captain. He also was honored in a pregame ceremony in Minnesota on Wednesday.
''He's not real happy because this is a bad time for it to happen,'' Ventura said. ''It is Paul Konerko Month, after all. It's painful, but the trainers have told him he can't do any more damage to it by playing. As soon as the pain becomes manageable, he'll resume baseball activities, but it will probably take a week.''
Konerko is batting .220 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 74 games this season. The six-time All-Star is 41st on the career home run list with 439.
Konerko announced in December that he would retire after the season, his 18th in the majors.
