AL | White Sox's Paul Konerko lands on DL for first time in career

CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox's veteran first baseman Paul Konerko has a new experience, and it's not one he wanted. He has landed on the disabled list for the first time in his career.

"I'm a little bit lost," Konerko said Tuesday as he discussed his injury, a strained left oblique muscle he got while hitting in the batting cage Sunday.

"I was actually probably about two swings away from being done for the day. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary," he said. "I swung and kind of released with my top hand, which I do a lot anyway. It didn't hurt, I just felt something give. I stepped out for a sec, then got back in and tried to take two swings. Then it was sore."

Konerko had an MRI taken and went on the DL Tuesday. His injury is one that can linger if not treated properly or rushed, and that's why he can't do anything for the first week but rest.

Teammate Jim Thome had a similar injury last season — a strained rib-cage muscle — and was on the DL for three weeks.

Nick Swisher, who has made 52 starts in the outfield and another 13 at first base this season, will stay at first during Konerko's absence. Swisher said he had a similar injury while playing college baseball.

In other news, right-hander Esteban Loaiza was sent on an injury rehabilitation assignment to Charlotte. He was placed on the disabled list on June 13 with right shoulder inflammation.

Baltimore: OF Nick Markakis took over the team lead in homers with 12, breaking a tie with Luke Scott, Aubrey Huff and Kevin Millar.

Boston: RHP Bartolo Colon was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff lower back, and injured RHP Curt Schilling was sent back to Boston for an examination with team doctors. Schilling is on the 60-day DL since spring training with shoulder weakness, and manager Terry Francona said Schilling had reached a "little bit of a plateau" in his recovery.

Cleveland: INF Josh Barfield underwent surgery to repair an injured ligament on the left middle finger, and the team said he will be out six to eight weeks. In other news, former All-Star 3B Morgan Ensberg signed a minor-league contract after getting cut by the Yankees earlier this month.

Detroit: RHP Joel Zumaya said he's on his way to San Diego to join the Tigers there this weekend. Manager Jim Leyland later confirmed the move.

Minnesota: Twins INF Nick Punto (hamstring) will play three straight games for Class A Fort Myers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If all goes well, Punto could join the team on Tuesday in San Diego.

New York: RHP Dan Giese will start Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds, taking the spot of injured RHP Chien-Ming Wang. Giese has made three appearances this season, all in relief.

Texas: INF Hank Blalock's rehabilitation assignment has been delayed again. Manager Ron Washington said Blalock was still experiencing problems with his hands following surgery May 30 for carpal-tunnel syndrome.

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