Paul Konerko suffers fractured bone in hand; White Sox optimistic slugger will return
Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has a fractured sesamoid bone in his left hand, putting the final month of his career in jeopardy.
Konerko is wrapping up his subtle farewell tour around baseball as he plays out the last month of an 18-year run in the majors. White Sox manager Robin Ventura is optimistic the fracture is not season-ending, and says Konerko has been informed he can't do further damage to the hand by playing through the injury.
Konerko out the next week. But Ventura very hopeful he will play again this month
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) September 5, 2014
The injury is believed to have occurred during Tuesday's game against Minnesota when Konerko tagged Twins outfielder Danny Santana on a bunt attempt in the eighth inning.
Sesamoid bones are embedded within tendons and, in some cases, require surgery to repair if healing is delayed.
Konerko, who announced this will be his final season, is struggling in limited playing time this year. The 38-year-old is posting career lows across the board, hitting just .220/.272/.344 with four homers in 74 games.
The White Sox plan to honor Konerko on Sept. 27 against Kansas City with "Paul Konerko Night" at U.S. Cellular Field.