Manager Robin Ventura said Konerko has not played first base much in Jose Abreu's absence because Konerko has been dealing with a stiff back, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Manager Robin Ventura said Konerko has not played first base much in Jose Abreu's absence because Konerko has been dealing with a stiff back, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Konerko has only started four games at first since Abreu first started contending with a foot injury in the first week of May, and he has not played the position since May 18. Konerko has gone 2-for-30 over his last eight starts at DH, and it is because of minor injuries like this that he was signed to a limited role this season. His role should diminish further once Abreu returns to first and Adam Dunn returns to DH.