Chicago White Sox veteran first baseman Paul Konerko did not play in the series finale against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, and that's because the team revealed that the slugger suffered a concussion during Tuesday's game. Manager Robin Ventura referred to the injury as a "mild concussion," but in reality the extent of the injury and the amount of time concussive symptoms will linger are still unknown. With Wednesday off and Thursday as a idle day for the Sox, Konerko will be re-evaluated on Friday and could be headed to the seven-day disabled list. Here is what Ventura said to reporters after the game on Wednesday night:
"There have been some serious things with concussions, so he's got to get evaluated (Friday). There is the seven-day (disabled list) if it's too bad. I don't know if it's there, but he does have a mild one. So it was more of a precaution to keep him out. In no way could he have played (Wednesday). It's just better to keep him out."
Here is video of Ventura's post-game press conference, via CSN-Chicago:
With a new emphasis on protecting players with head injuries developing in Major League Baseball, it is probably worth watching carefully for updates on Konerko over the next few days.
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