Konerko earns praise for playing through pain

BALTIMORE — It's hard to know what's a bigger pain to Paul Konerko: The discomfort in his calf that causes him to hobble around the bases or answering questions about it.

Asked if it's the toughest thing he has ever played through, Konerko said, "If it is, I don't even want to go into it. Does it really matter? Listen, I'm playing. If there is anything else to report, I'll let you know. That's all I got for you.''

Konerko, the team captain, is leading by example. The Sox desperately need his bat as they try to chase down the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians.

"It's impressive,'' A.J. Pierzynski said. "I know how much pain he's in because we talk about it a lot. We all know that. It would be nice if he was healthy so he could play first base. But he's doing whatever he can now to help us win games. He doesn't have to be out there, but he is. It's something you admire.''

Almost everyone is playing through some physical issue at this time of year, but Konerko's merits an excused absence.

"Everyone — the manager, coaches, players, fans, front-office people — should tip their hat to him,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's playing with a lot of pain. It's very uncomfortable to see him running.''

Konerko labored to second base with a stand-up double in the first inning, then to home on a double by Carlos Quentin.

"He wants to play and help us, and that's why Konerko is a very special guy in this organization.''

Cooper makes impression

Zach Stewart, who makes his second start for the Sox on Friday, has adapted quickly to pitching coach Don Cooper.

"Oh, he's awesome,'' the 24-year-old Stewart said. "He's straightforward and positive. He made it clear he's not trying to change you, which is always nice to hear because so many times you run into guys who want to put a stamp on you or change you. He's not like that.''

A home-cooked deal

The Sox are 24-32 at U.S. Cellular Field, and they open a nine-game homestand against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The Indians and Texas Rangers follow.

"We have to go there and relax, start playing better and start winning games there,'' Guillen said.

Lillibridge to first

Guillen said Brent Lillibridge will play first base Friday in place of Adam Dunn against soft-tossing lefty Bruce Chen, who bedazzled the Sox on July 6 and 20.