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Paul Konerko eyes return next week

CHICAGO -- Retiring Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko hopes to return next week from a broken bone in his left hand.

Konerko says he might take some swings Friday and hit some balls over the weekend. He thinks he will be ready to play during a nine-game trip to Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Detroit that starts next week.

Konerko, 38, was injured while tagging out Danny Santana in a game at Minnesota on Sept. 2.

The White Sox will hold Paul Konerko Day on Sept. 27 at U.S. Cellular Field during the final weekend of the season. Konerko has played for the White Sox since 1999 and is the team's captain.