Concussed Paul Konerko will be examined
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com August 12, 2012 8:40PM
Oakland Athletics v Chicago White Sox
ToNIGHT
SOX AT BLUE JAYS
The facts: 6:07, CSN, 670-AM, 97.5-FM.
The pitchers: Jake Peavy (9-8, 3.08 ERA) vs. Carlos Villanueva (6-2, 3.30).
THE REST OF THE SERIES
Tuesday: 6:07 p.m., Ch. 26, 670-AM, 97.5-FM. Jose Quintana (4-2, 2.78) vs. Henderson Alvarez (7-9, 4.58).
Wednesday: 6:07 p.m., CSN, 670-AM, 97.5-FM. Gavin Floyd (8-9, 4.43) vs. Ricky Romero (8-9, 5.32).
Thursday: 6:07 p.m., Ch. 26, 670-AM, 97.5-FM. Francisco Liriano (0-0, 5.65) vs. Aaron Laffey (3-3, 4.72).
Updated: September 14, 2012 6:15AM
Paul Konerko will undergo what is described as “a thorough concussion-related exam’’ Monday at Rush University Medical Center, the White Sox said Sunday.
If results are encouraging, he will resume baseball-related activities on Tuesday with the hope of rejoining the team in Kansas City on Friday.
The Sox leave Sunday night for a four-game series in Toronto and then play Kansas City starting Friday.
Manager Robin Ventura said Konerko was improving but the uncertain nature of concussions make it difficult to predict his recovery time.
“He’s progressing. It just has to run its course,’’ Ventura said. “There’s no treatment. He has to wait for [symptoms] to subside before he can exert himself.’’
Konerko, who is on the seven-day disabled list instituted specifically for concussion injuries, must be cleared by team doctors and by medical staff with Major League Baseball before he can be reinstated.
“It’s not easy to get on the [seven-day] list and off it,’’ Ventura said. “We have a lot more information about it now and can take care of it.’’
Youkilis out
Kevin Youkilis was out of the lineup Sunday after being hit in the forearm in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game. Youkilis homered in an earlier at-bat.
Youkilis had missed a game Aug. 7 with a sore right knee, “but it’s more the arm,’’ Ventura said. “It’s swollen.’’
Youkilis might return Monday, Ventura added.
With Konerko still out, Ventura moved Dayan Viciedo into the designated hitter role Sunday and gave just-recalled Dewayne Wise his first start in left field.
“You don’t want guys coming in and sitting,’’ Ventura said.
13 pitchers
The Sox will recall another pitcher Monday before the start of the four-game series in Toronto as the team tries to nurse along the rotation.
The extra arm meant Jordan Danks was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after Sunday’s game, but Ventura said the outfielder will be back when rosters expand, if not sooner.
“We’ll get an extra arm in the bullpen. Jordan’s done everything you’d want but we’re run through guys in the bullpen, playing a lot of close games. But [Danks] will be back,’’ Ventura said.
Behind the plate
Konerko’s absence has caused a ripple effect in the lineup as Adam Dunn plays first and different players fill the DH spot. On Friday, Ventura had both catchers in the lineup, with A.J. Pierzynski as the DH and Tyler Flowers behind the plate.
“You’re rolling the dice a little bit,’’ Ventura admitted of having both catchers in the game.
The Sox will include a catcher among their September call-ups, Ventura added. “Most teams add a catcher in September.’’
