ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Paul Konerko is set to finish his career on the field after an injury threatened to keep him a spectator.
Konerko was hitless in four at-bats in his first game since breaking his left hand Sept. 2 as the Chicago White Sox eliminated the Tampa Bay Rays from playoff contention with a 4-3 victory Friday night.
"Very minimal discomfort," Konerko said. "Maybe catching the ball, the only time I noticed it. Considering what it felt like a couple weeks ago, I'm lucky to have it where it's at right now."
The first baseman is retiring after this season, his 18th in the big leagues. He will be honored at a pregame ceremony Sept. 27.
"A couple weeks ago, I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to even take a swing," Konerko said. "I feel lucky just to be back out there."
White Sox manager Robin Ventura had Andy Wilkins replace Konerko defensively in the seventh.
"I took him out almost like a spring training game," Ventura said. "He hadn't been in there in a while. This is the first time he's been on his feet running around doing stuff."