Konerko back in lineup

CHICAGO -- Sox captain Paul Konerko is back in Saturday's lineup after missing the past three games with back tightness. He's hitting seventh as the designated hitter, which he's done for the majority of games Jose Abreu has missed while Adam Dunn mans first base.

"He's all clear. I think you go through periods where it's bound up, it's happening the last couple years where it gets a little bound up where it doesn't feel good," Sox manager Robin Ventura said of Konerko. "Having given him a few days to deal with it and clean it up, so he's good to go today."

Konerko was able to avoid the DL, a positive for him but something that will force a tough decision in the near future for the Sox. Should Abreu return as planned on Monday, Chicago will have to make a corresponding roster move.

One possibility is that Marcus Semien, who served as DH in place of Konerko Wednesday and Friday. The 23-year-old infielder is hitting just .222 and may benefit from more consistent at-bats at the Minor League level.