Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports that Paul Konerko was scratched from tonight’s lineup against the Tigers after having a loose fragment removed from his left wrist earlier today. While he won’t start the game, he will be available off the bench.
As Merkin notes, the minor procedure is likely related to chronic wrist soreness experienced by Konerko in the early part of May. The 35-year-old first baseman is batting .310/.380/.516 with 12 homers and 44 RBI over his first 247 plate appearances this season, so the issue hasn’t dramatically affected his production in any way.
Adam Dunn, who was originally out of Friday’s lineup, will start in his place against left-hander Andy Oliver. Dunn is still in search of his first hit against a left-handed pitcher this season. He enters Friday’s contest 0-for-38 with 17 strikeouts against southpaws.